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V 



ICTmOHAlCl.: 



A V'lEW OF OUll PEOPLE AND THEUI HIS- 
. TORY, TOGETHER WITH THE PRIN- 
CIPLES UNDERLYIXCI, AND 
THE CIRCUMSTANCES 
ATTENDING 



THE RISE AND PROGRESS 

OF THE 

AMEEICAU UUION. 

% foem: 

BY W. A. PEFrER. 

CLARKSVILLE, TKXK. : 
PT7BLISHED BY BUCK & NEVItXF, 

t86». 



« 1*3^^ 



Bttt«wd, Ae^Miii^ t!> Act of CoajfWifl.i, i» the Ye»? IWI. 

BT W. A. PBFFER, 

fti ^e Clerk's Offlc« of the District Court of kiie UaitM Sfcl^ee 

ftr tfe« Mia<tte District of Teutessw* 

3 ^ ^ ^ ^ 

^03 



•§ 



DEDICATION. 

To the American people, and cspeciallj' to the 
young men and women, upon whose shoulders soon 
will rest the responsibilities und duties of our Got- 
ernment, this Poem is respectfully dedicated, by 

THE AUTHOR. 

Clarksville, Tknk^ July 4th, 1869. 



PREFACE. 



Thk design of this Pokm is to present to view our 
people as they are rehited to their unwritten history, 
and to impress upon the mind, by poetic representa- 
tions and figures, tliosc principles of inherent political 
philosopliy which underlie the "government and insti- 
tutions of our country, as well as the various facts 
and circumstances which have impeded or advanced 
our progress in the different staiccs of our develop- 
ment and growth. 

After rising from a perusal of Gibbon's "Decline 
and Fall of the Roman Empire." llallem's "Middle 
A^es. " McCaulay's "England," and Bancroft's or 
Hildreth's "United States," it would seem to be a 
pleasant relief to look upon a picture wherein all the 
principal features of our own history are drawn la 
prominent positions, thus giving us a bird's-eye view 
of ourselves and what we have been, as a pleasing se- 
quel to our more laborious studies. The following 
pages are the result of an attempt to paint such a 
picture. 

A principal and leading object in tlie work is, to 
^Ive an interior view of the causes which produced 
the recent war, and to show how evil influences may 
operate unfelt for years and ages upon a people, but 
which will, sooner or later, if unchecked, strike for 
universal dominion, and attempt the absorption of 
all opposing things. For the better presentation of 
the subject, I have chosen to give each element or 
p'inciple which is introduced, a personal character, 
whose separate history is given both by narration 
and argument; and the operation, as well as the ef- 



PREFACE. o 

feet of each principle in, and upon our society, is 
shown by the action of councils for debate. Each 
class of people also, when such classes have borne im- 
portant parts in our history, is represented by a 
rharacter having personal attributes and a name. 

The first great principle with us is Libkrty. Hence 
she is the first character introduced. The next is In- 
DETKKDKNCE, and lic is the second in appearance. 
They being purely spirits or elements, their natural 
love for VIRTUE inust be apparent, and her union 
with them for anv good purpose is absolutely neces- 
Kary ; for this reason, she is the third character seen. 
They meet, and determine upon planting a new na- 
tion' in America ; but, as all the world knows, three 
hundred years ago, monarchy was the great obstacle 
in the way of freedom. This idea is renresented in 
the person of Kingcraft, lie opposes the new plan. 
Tnie policy would then dictate tliat some means be 
devised whereby his influence might, if possible, be 
counteracted ; and for this purpose, Wisdom volun- 
teers his advice, and suggests, that as various princi- 
ples and classes of people must, in the nature of 
things, enter into the grand enterprise, it would be 
well to hold a Council of all such, and agree upon an 
harmonious plan, in which there might be union, and 
no discord. 

Such a council is, accord in gh'. held, in which par- 
ticipate, besides those already named, Jtstick, Mkr- 
CY, Ambitiox, Fbogress, Aboriginks, (the Indian) 
AvARiCK, Tridk. Labor, Carieal, Etc. Failing to 
agree, because of Kingcraft's opposition. Wisdom 
dTrccts them to join their efforts and wait for what 
God may develop, as the result of their combined 
labors, and thev act on his advice. 

Their history and conduct is then sketched down to 
the period ot the llevolution, when, in the third chap- 
ter, several new characters are introduced, as Ambas- 
sador. Herald. Minister, Etc., in order to show the 
peculiar state of the public mind at that time. 

After the war of the Bcvolution is passed, another 
Council is held, in which our present Government— 
tiic Union, under our present Constitution— is formed. 
As all cultivated readers of ix)litical history know, 
the two matters of Slot'e.r{f and the right of Seceatsiou^ 
g:ave the people much concern at that time. It is also 



a PBEFACK. 

"vpell known, that two leading idaxs, as to tlie powcf of 
the new government at that time, prevailed : one, the 
FEDERAL, rei)resented by Hamilton; the other, the 
Demockatic, represented* by Jeflcrson; and that up- 
on these two ideas as bases, the two gcreat political 
jmrties, Federal or Whig, and Democratic, were form- 
ed. In the foiirtli chapter, these two different ideas 
are represented by two new characters, Laredef 
(Federal), and Takcomkd (Democrat.) 

The separate and combined history of all is then 
traced down to the j)criod of the Rebellion, 1861; and 
the anomalous condition of our political society at 
that stormy period, — the sudden (;han<,'es of parties, 
i*nd the evident tendency of the times toward perma- 
nent change, are fully shown. 

In the sixth chapter, various characters, to repre- 
!*ent the times and classes ©f our people, are intro- 
duced. The restless energy of the Northern people 
is represented by Entekfkisk; the peace men of the 
Xorth, by Namkcakp; the war Democrats, by Tar- 
<.;omedraV; the Northern white laborer, hy Blanco; 
the neutral men of the Border States, by Lartuek; 
the slaveholder and rabid secessionist, " by Kkdlo- 
UEVALs; and the slave, by Nkgros. In a Council of 
these, and the characters already named, a full view 
of the times to which the chapter refers, is exhibited. 
. After this comes the war. Chapter VII.. wherein 
appears to better advantage the true character of our 
people North and South. Then, in Chapter VIII., we 
liavc the period from the surrender of tlie Rebel arm- 
ies to the present, so far as the war and its effects are 
txincerned. 

In the ninth and closing chapter, we have a picture 
of the United States, represented as a great Land- 
scape, in the midst of which an American President- 
ial campaign is represented in the recent contest be- 
tween Gen. Grant and Schuyler Colfax on the one 
part, and Gov. Seymour and Gen. Blair on the other. 

I have no apology to make for the names of anyof 
my characters, nor for the name of my book. The 
Hebrews and Greeks and Latins were wholly unac- 
quainted with American names and affairs; and 
besides this, I am wholly unacquainted with the lan» 
irnages of thoHc nations ; hence, viewing the j^ubject 
from both of the^e points, the reader muj?t be isatisfieU 



PRKPAC^E. 7 

with purely American inventions; and when he 
would know the etymology of any of my titles, ag, 
for instance, " Redlohevals, " he may read the name 
y<»e/'S€d— backwards, and he will thereafter read it 
understandingly. 

The Poem is intended to give a view of the various 
things written of, and hence the name ^'Mybxobaua.*' 
I only aek the public io deal tenderly with my book. 
St Is my j9.»t child» 



MYRIORAMA. 



CHAPTER 1. 

KEMAllKS. 

Baeh piomirtcnt act of men and nations has its inflncucc in 
forming their character, and lias its effect upon the histoiy and 
progress of the world. Progrcs.s is the law of man. Freedom Is 
the result of man's connnotions. Virtue, Liberty and Indcpend- 
<^ncc are the true and v>voper representatives ot a perfect state 
of Freedom. Ilence they are here presented at a place wher« 
all the important acts in man's history send up their rays of 
hope which meet where the spirits are. 

Monarchy, being their enemy, opposes their designs. King- 
craft represents monarchy. They meet duriiigr the period of tn« 
i"evolution in England, soon after Cromwell's time, when the 
best spirits ot the Old World were looking to America for safety 
from oppi'ession and religious intolerance. Wisdom, a spirit 
which all will recognize, suggests a pro.cticnl course. A Coun- 
cil of all the elements, (represented as spiiits,) which tnter 
into the constitution of all governments, and especially ouw, 
is held. Each of these: as Labor. Pride. Avarice, Etc, repi"e- 
sents its own i)eculiar office in the new society; and after an 
interchange of thought and feeling, intended to represent th« 
condition of the public mind at that time, and the circiun- 
stances attending the early settlement o!i our CA)untry, flare 
s^pirits start on their mission'.. 

?^prc;ul out tlic map of man's mi.sfortnncs, 

His .strtig-^iics and dctcatcd liopes, and mark 

The spots whore, in the dim perspeetivc of 

The years, eaeh had its origin and death. 

Look o'er the wasted tields of war— tlie wide domaitt 

Of power's stretch, where tieiy passions held 

High <;arnival o'er graves of heroes slain ; 

Wliere battling millions, swaying on the verge 

Of death like angry waves at sea, poured out 

Their blood like rain. Go back through all 

The darkened past and glean from out 

The granary of ages all heroic deeds; 

All battles lost and won ; the rise and fall 

Of empires and their glow ; the birth and death 



MYRIORAMA. ^ 

Of noble men, — oases in the wilderneiss 

Of life, — and trace the lines ot hope which gleam 

Through all the gloomy mist of j^cars. 

See Moses and his chosen seed depart 
From Kgypfs galling chains and marcli through land 
And sea not knowing where, but guided by 
Jehovah's light, pursuing still where faith 
Directed on, and though their leader lost, 
How- faith fi-om father down to son descended, led 
The wandering sons of Abraham into 
The promised laud. 

„ , , , , f^ee Babylon's drunken kinfir, 

Belsbassar, trembling as he found himself 
Entombed w ithin a wall of human fornjs 
All clad in the menacing garb of war, 
While prophecy engraves his horrid end 
Upon his golden walls. The noble Seven sec 
nho toward the sunrise rode their prancing steeds 
On Egynt-s tempting soil, that he whose charger 
tirst did neigh the others should command. 
Behold the stroke which cut the Gordian knot, 
And see Great Alexander stand astride the w orld. 

Back through long lines of kings, behold 

The glai-e of glittering empire shine. See power stand 

tpon the ruins of decaying wealth, and splendor 

Grow amid surrounding death. Do hear 

The cry of captive slaves, and listen w ell unto 

The murmur, ns it rolls itself along 

The grow ing lines, which gave to Some 

Her Tribunes and bade them there on Freedom's 

Outposts slccidess vigil keep and safelv guard 

Tlie people's liberties. See Carthage, proud 

Amid hej- burning temples, smoke, while shouts* 

Of brave defenders tilled the heated air; 

And hear the lisping oath of Hannibal 

The youth, inspired by hate his father bore 

To Rome. 

See cities, nations, customs, w aste 

And fade; see old things pass away and on 

Their ruins rise the new. See Cadmus teach 

The world to read ; to reason Socrates, 

And fight, great Casar. Hear tlie voice 



10 MYRIORAMA. 

Of Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato, too, ' 

Philosophers ot old who raised their portion 

Of the veil that hid the wrongs of man from view. 

Trace up the expanding power of Rome ; 

See nations fade from earth where'er 

The imperial army comes, and in the lapse 

Of time the wave recede which, in its fury, all 

Her pomp destroyed. See other nations rise, 

And like a meteoric star, a time 

With lustrous glare astound the world, then sink 

To endless night and death. 

A moment spend amid 
The wreck and carnage of the hiter time, I 

When Spain her Philip, stained with martyr's blood. 
Held out to the world's disgusted gaze. 
See Cramner burn for sin; and l..ady Grey 
Her gentle life lay down beneath a «ad 
And wicked instrument of shame. Behold 
The land o'errun with mjriad hosts of men 
At war, not knowing why; see victims sore 
Beneath the sword of vengeance full. 
And hear the cry of martyrs going up 
To God while Christians sacriticed their live-* 
To feed a love of wrong. See Luther and 
Melanchton, with their brave compeers, 
Men bold of heart, borne up by faith in right, 
Build lasting monuments upon the graves 
Ot sin ; and hear the wail of countless 
Theueands as they fall in effort to 
Destroy despotic rule. 

See Cromwell and 
His patriot band, with all the gallant men 
Who led that moving age; — their marks are left 
Upon the scroll of time in living lines. 
And just where blood-red stains are thickest on 
Its gory face. 

Look out upon 
The world of life, I say, on these and every 
Varied scene where man has w rought, where element* 
Of matter and of mind have been at war; 
Where freedom struggled in her chains, or wealth 
And power lashed their victims into Bilence; 
Where ambition struck the world aghai^L 



MYRIORAMA. 11 

And men were born who played upon the strings 
Of life while nations dan<;ed to the fretful 
Music; where love of right inspired marohing 
Armies on to brave lony: years ot war ; and where 
A Christia!) faith the pan;i:.s of death removed, 
Or cooled the tortures of the stake. 

"Wherever man has strugi^led in his hopes; 

Wherever freedom lurketi; wlierever truth 

Was hushed, or heaven hid from vi»^w : 

Wherever mind has been at war with mind; 

Wherever hand has pushed the wheel of time 

One jot ahead ;— oh, there, on each and all 

Of these do look, and mark you well each saered spofe. 

Behold I From each of these runs out a ray — 

A shining line like lingering ray of sun 

When day prepares himself for coming night,— 

A glistening thread up darting from the spot 

Where some one act of earth had done its part 

In forming what we call man's history. 

Tlie number of these silvery lines cannot 

Be told, but see them as they start, and trace 

Them on along their brilliant course. They bend 

Themselves, extending out, and upward speed, 

Inclining toward each other till, high up 

Above the rocking earth, converging still, 

Within the bosom of a beauteous cloud 

Which hovers o'er the sacred mount where man 

First heard the written law proclaimed. 

They meet, a focus of ascending rays ot hope. 

A thoughtless, roving, happy cloud, hung out 
tJpon the morjiing air. Its fleecy folds 
Were Alms of clear white ether, lined 
With curving, crooked, rolling seams 
Of varied shape and color; yet were all 
So softlj' met and blended in each other. 
Fold o'erlapping fold of thinnest vapor formed 
And wrapped in nature's simplest beauty, — 
Bays of light straight streaming through the whole. 
Here gold, there silver edges painting, — that 
'Twere never known if early light, cut loose 
From other realms — adrift and left at ease 
To roam — liad here reposed a time to look 
At earth ; or, whether angels had assembled 



12 MYRIOBAMA. 

There to draw a tbin<? of beauty, and thus 
Upon the blue of heaven hunt? their canvas out. 
But tliere it was, high up above the heavy air 
Of earth. Around, tlie spotless blue of heaven's 
Wide estate extending ftir and near; 
>.'or speck nor other thing in all the realms 
Above. Alone, amidst encircling blue, 
And resting on the arch of earth it la}' — 
Tliat pure^ white morning cloud. 

AVithin its folds 
There sat a form of lieavenly mould, with face 
Of pensive cast, with eyes of peerless blue, 
Deep seated and serene. Long, waving hair 
Swept down her back and sparkled in 
The streaming light, while from her shoulders hung 
A loose, long, llowing robe of whire. in places 
Gathered up upon her snow-white arMi<. 
Her face, though wearing signs of care and toil. 
Was flushed witli hope; her eyes were X)eeriug out 
Into the trackless wilderness of air. 
And every feature spoke a certnin tongue. 
Expression mild yet lirm; thoiigli pale, a fresh 
Returning health overshadowed all, and pure, 
Sweet beauty, mingled with a high resolve. 
Shone out in every line. Though old. yet yoiuig; 
Though weak, yet strong; defeate<l oft' 
On many an earthly field, now braver 
For reverse, she gazed into the air. 

A scroll within her hand she held which, slowly 
Rolling out in part but leaving much unseen, 
She dropped her eyes upon the picture there, 
And thus in silence Liberty reposed. 

I>ook back along the fading shadows of 

Departed years when time began, and see 

Creative wisdom shining tlirough primeval niglit, 

And fiom a glorious Center issue forth, 

In lines diverging out from tlie eternal sun. 

Unnumbered ages with their myriad worlds 

And all to tlicm belonging. See all the sons 

Of God rejoice, and stars togetlier sing 

When, looking out upon the va.st created thi-ong; 

Jebovah saw "'twas g(X>d." See Eden fair 



MYRIORAMA. 13 

And lovely in her pristine garb, where, arm 

In arm, in holiness enshrined, the happy pair 

First roamed in peace. A little farther down, 

The prophet speaking see, who tells of coming love, 

Unwelcome truths proclaiming to 

An obdurate world, and bidding all prepare. 

Still later, see the angels as they tell 

Judean shepherds how the lonely Nazarene 

Was born, and hear them sing of "Peace 

On earth, good will toward men." The Cross, 

Then rising up, behold; — its holy victim there 

Displayed, while weeping nature veils her face. 

From out this dreadful scene the sword 

Springs up, remains unsheathed for years, 

Until Christ's Kingdom is established on 

The earth, when, dripping with the blood 

Of millions slain, the gory blade fiills back 

And pens take up tlie tragic tale of truth, 

While trembling thrones fall down in dust. 

'Twas thus the picture shone whereon 

Fair Liberty looked; and when the blood-red stains 

Upon the sword did meet her patient gaze. 

She seemed to listen for the prayers of those 

Who once sang requiems o'er her grave. 

Just then the concentrated shout of millions, 

Struggling for the right, was wafted to her ear, 

When, starting back, she dropped the scroll 

From out her trembling hand. But to 

Her great surprise, another spirit form. 

Before unnoticed, gently stooped, and picked 

It up. 

She would have turned. But, "no : 
5fot so," he said. "Long years agone we met 
As friends. No less our friendship now. 
Th' unwritten memories of all the dismal past: 
The birth and death of nations with their good 
And evil left; the overflow of Europe's rushing tide; 
The spread of truth ; the untold mysteries of death ; 
All these and countless more unnamed, are drawn 
Upon this sacred scroll ;" and down— down- 
He let it roll, disclosing as It opened out. 
The varied history of man, until 
It reached the living, active now. 



14 MYRIOKAMA. 

Resuming: tlu'ii, unci rollin«^ up the scroll 

The while he spoke, he said : "All these and raor» 

Arc penciled there. They all are past 

And shrouded in the mist of time. But here 

They live, and arc to us as now. Since last 

We met, fair angel, much of this ojreat chart 

Was drawn. Thougfh scorn and hate 

Have bound us oft 'to earth, and stifled lonfj 

Our prayers, at last, thank God, 

The tremhlinir of the thrones has left us free, 

And here a<?ain we meet." 

II i> noble torm 
Bent down, and on the forehead of his fair, 
Pure listener he pressed a fervent kiss, 
And took her fondly in his arms. 
A tender, long and'fond embrace. 
And Independence wept great tears of joy. 

While thus they stood caressino- and caressed 

In hol3', tender love, another spirit came, 

A form of beauty, and of modest mien. 

Her .stature small, enshrouded in a g:auzc 

Of purest blue, all save her sad and downcast face, 

Which wore a sorrowful expression. 

Her hands within each other lightly held ; 

Her head somewhat inclined to front; her feet 

In resting posture set; her eyes dropped down 

Toward earth ; in silence thus pale Virtue 

Stood within the cloud. Although no watchman there 

Her presence to announce; no guard 

Or watchful sentinel to usher in ; 

Uncalled, unheralded she came upon 

The scene; no one more welcome there tha»i she. 

Her silent, noseless tread their joy did not 

disturb, for never yet was good o'erwhelmed 

Or put to shame by being done within 

Her aacrcd presence. Nought but evil does 

Her breath confuse. Good men, and deeds 

Do court her sweet, serene assent, 

While puritv looks up to her and calls 

Her blessed? They welcomed her approach ; 

Most warm and fervent was that welcome. 

A liand bv each outstretched, took hers 

Within its grasj), exchanging words 

Of gladness and inspiring looks 



MYKIORAMA. 15 

WTiich only separation long can give 
To friendship's iiice". 

A time upon 
Each other's foces gazed the friends, and 
After pouring out their passions long entombed 
That now might freely vent themselves, 
In slow but measured*^ tones, deep sounding 
Through the cloud, and far and near 
Along the open corridors of space 
In fearful earnestness resounding, thus 
Did Independence kneeling, pray : 
*'Great God of all ! inspire our hearts with praise. 
Our faith in truth make strong. From death 
And every ill preserve us. The path in which 
We are to walk, oh, now direct us. 
Our hearts uplift; our arms do strengthen; and 
Our hopes encourage in the right. 
From further bondage, Lord, protect us, and 
tn thine own good time, the temple build 
Where all thy worshippers may kneel 
And pray to Thee unharmed. Thy will be done.*' 
And bowing low, a deep and reverend 
Silence passed, when they arose. 

Above 
Them through the trembling cloud, in accents loud 
And clear, a voice came rolling down, and said 
"Well done. This meeting was ordained ot God. 
There's labor now to do. Look down upon 
The earth. Behold the nations boiling, and 
The streams of men wild rushing to and fro 
Without a king. Those tides upon the sea 
Of human hopes and fears will waste 
And back to ruin run except a light 
Be hung upon the heavens to attract 
Their gaze and lead them safe to shore. 
Go, stem the wave; the scattering flocks 
Collect, and bring them to the fold. Direct 
Their wandering steps aright, and lead 
Them forth into the promised land." 

The voice 
No more was heard. But while in wonder still 
They listened for another sound, as yet 
Its lingering echoes stayed, a shining hand 
[n front of their astonished gaze appeared 
With flngcr pointing west. A moment hung 



18 MYPJORAMA. 

He ptoocl in bold defiajice, tnll. athletic, full 

And rouncled frame; h\^\i aichin^*; brow 

And qiii.eriiig lip: bold, massive foreiicad, crowned 

With thick chirk ciu-lin<r hair; large sparkling" 

Eyes of gray— great globes of light; deep heaving 

Chest, respi'rifig full like swell 

And fall of ocean wave behind the storm 

Jtist passed ; each nerve and fibre of 

His towering form with hidden rage 

Vibrating, and each muscle to its utmost 

Tension stiamg; his beaming face alive 

Witti inwaid tire; his clenched right hand 

The trembling llambeau holding v.lale 

The left hung stitlened by his side. 

There lie stood, his feet firm planted on 

Th' etiiereal Uoor; about his loins 

A golden vesture hanging; there, oh ! there, 

Magniticent stature of a man. what 

More noble 'ncath the Gods ti)an thou I 

Kingcraft i)roc^eeded thus: '-Hold back thy wrath. 

Ambitious !)eing. most no!)le 1 confess 

Tlioa art. Kesh-aiu thy struggling rage. 

And hear wiuit i v/ould say. A little 

Liberty hat'j made thee wild, and set 

Tiiee iTigh above the plane of thy ability. 

App;iarance hath deceive! tiiee grievously. 

Not yet absolved from all allegiance 

As it seems to tht.'e, 'twere well that thou 

SliouhUr listen now to him who still has power 

To do theo harm and »nar thy brightest iiopes. 

Be'iold tiiose rays descending fro}n this cloud 

To earth. Froi'n tliem tiiy inspii-ation cotiies. 

And they arise fi-om out the dead. The living thou 

Wouldst lead who walk upon their speechless graves; 

And they do move and breathe in my dominions. 

My siil)jects are they all; protected by my power, 

And pay me homage. If thou wouldst plant 

Thy nation in the western land whereto 

The tinger points, and there build up 

A peoi)le who would call thee king. 

Remember, then, that land is also mine. 

My people now h iv.^ footliold there. They sow 

And plant Mid re>p; are I)Oin and dio in my 

Pomaiu. 'Twere well that thou sbouldst be 



MYRIORAMA. If 

Respectful then, to liim upon whose broad 

possessions thou w ouldst phmt thy little nation, lest 

When all thy work is rinislKnl I should claini 

The fruit of this thy useless labor. What may suit 

My pleasure in the time to come to do 

For thee and ihy designs, the future may 

Diselose. SulHcicnt for thee now to know 

M}"^ right should be respected, lest in timo 

A jrreater evil come. TUe rage and rant 

Of unrestrained ami)itlon often lead 

To ruin, and the fairest hopes oft'times 

Of ill-conceived advantage fade from view. 

So saying, with a haughty look he turned 

And beckoned to his train ; and soon it camo: 

A splendid moving scene of kings on thrones, 

And high-born courtiers, ministers of state. 

In dazzling chariots drawn. Fair women too, 

Companions of tluir lords, in rare attire robed. 

With gold bespangling all their forms. Great crOTirdU 

Of men and womiMj in their order passed, 

From nobles down to slaves, in every 

Possible ai ray. By petty captains led 

Each class, and these obeying higlier rule. 

The whole revolving like^l grei'.t machine 

13y common power moved. ' All nations in 

Their varied aspect shown, and life 

In every phii^e; the pride of wealtl) ; 

The vvretC'M dness of wnnt; the crushing power of 

The tyrant's rod; and all the unnamed 

Agonies of denth slow wi-ought upon the poor; 

These, and all tlieir kindred sympathies, 

In state before the monarch passed iii most 

Obsequious reverence .'ind awe. 

The awful jjngennt gone, great Kingcraft turned 

Again unto his auditois and said : 

*'B;liold how all the world of man obeys 

My call. Life ;ind denth nre in my hands; 

At my comnijind do natiojis rise nm} fall; 

And all uumi p:iy me homage. Deride 

I^ot then my power. " 

To this plnin speech 
Bold Independence thus replied : •' I've heard 
Thee. Kingcraft, well. Thy mvful train 
Of serfs I've seen, and looked with pain 



2() MYraOIJAMA. 

upon their doleful, forced obedience. 

Tliy words of wiirnin;;- too, I've heard; thy threats 

And words of promise uttered. But now,* once 

For all, 1 tell thee plainly, 'tis too late. 

I'm free. To choose is mine ; to frown 

Is yours. We'll plant our nation where 

The linger. points, and woe betide thee if thou 

.[nterfeVe.*" 

Just then an aged S]>irit came. 
Entreating them be calm. His form was tall 
And spare, high, rounded head, witli white 
Long flowing hair ; a modest face from which 
A beard of grayish caste liung down upon 
llis chest; of piercing steady look his eye. 
And voice of clearest'tone. 'They looked upon 
Him as a friend. Consent instinctive came 
rron\ all to do him great respect. 

"Be calm," 
Repeated he. " No one so srreat. or wise, or good. 
That nuiy not still another lesson learn. 
Vm old, you see. Old Time has slowly crept 
Upon my face, and each revolving year 
Has left* its traces there. These turrows ,^re 
The channels worn by time's incessant How; 
These scars, the chafing of the storms of life. 
Of man in all his varied state, has been 
My constant thoughts; and his alfairs 
In all their changing phase, my never 
Ceasing study. His sorrows and his pains ; 
His pleasures and his hopes; his gains. 
His losses and their sure attendant ills ; 
Disasters Avhen they come upon his path; 
t^uccosses, when in mercy God has sent them; 
All of these, I've watched and traced 
Their causes out. 

"The Great Creator of 
Us all unfolds His pi m of government 
To men as sin and tleath give way to truth. 
No favored class with Him until His law's 
Obeyed, and stubborn wills are bent to shame. 
From out the sacred mount beneath this cloud, 
He sent his written law. The light broke from 
The darkness of that hour, and then did mea 
From thunderings of Sinai, the law and life 
Both learn. His law is lite. No evil comes 



When that's ohoyrnl. To nil of <^oorl 
His phurH adapted woll : His holy law- 
Is eas}' of obcdiiMU'i': ir-< nature iixed. 
Its s«:«)pe is iniiiiite, and is the same 
Wherever found in all the wide extent 
Of niaUcr or of nnnd. 

"The evil nn<l the '^ood 
W'l' Si'e ; the ciinu^ the riot r.nd the waste, 
Pervadinii' all I in; deeds of men in life. 
Are landmarks in the troublous waj'' 
To guide the nfter traveler where he'd fi:o. 
Who follows up the <iood comes safely home; 
While evil leads us all ast i-ay. 
The wondrous plan is so arranged 
That out of death and sure deeay oft tinu's 
Spring's up the pure and <»ood ; and human life 
Is so made up of i;"ood and bad, that he 
"Who will, may save liimself nuieh wron*;'. 
"An open booi< is all the i)ast of man. 
Whose lueid pa<.'es all may read. Who there 
Will look ui)on"the dismal record writ 
And ponder well the lessons tau^-ht, will see 
How niuehof evil may he shun. Look down 
The gloomy list of failures and distress; 
The other, hrighter then, of gain and rieh 
Success. Those, who wouhl avoid, or these 
Attain, let him not repeat the foolish wi-ong 
Of them that blundered, nor reject the plan 
Wliieh brought success. Take counsel ol the i)ast. 
Young noble man, and thou, i)roud king, pass not 
Its lessons by unheard. Your wild dispute 
I heard, and vv)lunteer advice. I pray 
You heed. You hoth may learn w itliout 
Regret, a lesson all should know : That when 
We can't compel ol)edience to our will, 
'Tis better not to urge the purpose, lest 
Our weakness be exposed. 

A war 
Between you hangs about an untried Held 
Of labor. One would build a nation u]) 
On lands the other claims. Impassioned hojx; 
Asserts itself in words of fire, while, 
With reason too. respectful hearing 
Po\yer clainjs. Take counsel of the age. 
The founding of an empire in tiie west, 



23 3iyjaORAMA. 

Inviting to llie ardor of a noble manhood 
As it is, may still reciuire care in its design. 

On life's tempestuous sea tliere i-o11 

Great breakers w liiefi betimes (lestroy 

The strono'e^c bar(iue«. 'T\v ere weiJ 'to sail 

Around them if we can. Tiit^ linish.cd douj..', 

Of parts minute— of separate iilcntii^' 

'S composed. The n<*bie shi}> w hieh skims along 

The watery p]:iin, upon a certain plan is built. 

And thus a natioi. too. Wiiiiin its structure rests 

A compromise of elemonis and rl^>:hts. 

Immortal principles, like those iirst seen 

From Sinai, arc nilxcd and interwoven tliere. 

"Wliile Justice liobls the scales, and i^iijert^', 

Ilestralned in part, gives nerve and iiope • 

Unto the henrt. sweet "dcrcy ple;uls for all 

The poor, and Kinjiccratt, in his re^iai robes. 

Gives streno-tli. Bold Independence, proud, 

Deliant as lie is, tlie tcnrplu gaianis 

Wherein the people dweli, a'nd Virtue 

Purifies tlie state. Ambition, rro^re.-s, too, 

And Labor, all of these and more. «lo have 

Tiieir part in sucli grand eriicrpris^:. 

Better now consult witii th<>m, and hear 

What they would say ; for ca-h does represent 

A principle of life, which sure will enter in 

To all your puldie ))lans, Then, in 

A common council held of all who have 

An interest to serve, if pos>ib!e. a plan 

May thus lie aptly formed attractive and 

Complete. wher<' "dratli and i)rcnKilure 

Decay may not lie hid beneath the <;urner stone, 

And "when success would seem to shine most clear 

The upraised dome would topple down 

Within a day.-* 

AVhcn Wi«dom thus had said. 
He looked upon the four and waited for reply. 
Without a further thought tliey all replied: 
•"Tiswell. If thou wilt bear us company, 
Then let the Council meet without delay." 

By unseen power in an inst.'^nt moved. 
The cloud in which ihey stood ai^l sp.^ke. 
As If some magic wind had swept along 



MYRIORAMA. 28 

To blow it off. had disnppyarerl. and in 
Its Kteail a inysiii* temple, witli its duriie 
And lofty cokimnf? our in front, antl at 
Its entrance p{'erfni.^.sen;inel.s 
Tiie sacred nede-t;iT pan oiling. blow- 
Came down from heaven ovcriioad, and shut 
Them in. 

No iv.TM", app r<'.nt iiKt'.rvoncd 
The while tni.-? ni;igio cUanxe was wrought. 
It cam« npon taeu'i quieU as thought:, and like 
To all the deeds t!ie i^'ather doe.-, tiiough process 
Of formation and c-f change, before our eye«> 
In everla«itiug progre-^s works, the thing 
As it is seen is perfect in itself— conipiele, 
And wheii'or how created, mortals never know. 
In all its Mulshed frame, it spi-ings upon 
Tiie gaze, a- tiioiigii 't had always been. 
And what it wa-; a moment or an age 
Before — what form, if any, vhen assumed — 
Its history or its nanu-. we cannot know : 
'Tis-jtherc, and that suiriccth here. 

"Within that spa(df)us temple thus let down 

Upon then), sat the solemn council to 

Deli!)erate. With in the center and above 

The rest, sat Justice, cold, sedate, reserved 

And upright. Like Arctic iceberg uas his face. 

But through it ran some traces of an inner fount 

From whence in pi'oper seasons flowed 

Life-giving strear.is. His eyes, expressionless. 

Were satcllires reflecting borrowed light. 

Bold, statly form was his, but motionless. 

Upon his rigiit tlie noble young man stood» 

With Lii>erty and Virtue "at his side. 

Sweet; Mercy in her robes of peail. 

In all the gentle Iteauty of her tender sex — 

Her face an^-elic and serene— sat next 

Upon a golflen stool. Ambition too. 

In all the fire of ycuithfid hope, a fair, 

Imposing form, o'erreaching. proud 

Its mien, and car.''ess yet withal ; 

And next to hin> defiant Progress stood, 

With look of firm, determined air. 

Untiring patience and control. His hearty 

Like Cotopaxi burned, but .-teady, cool, 



24 MYIUOnAMA. 

Deliberate liis oyo. 

Upon the leffc 
Of Justice, Kingcraft stood, witli Avarice 
Cold and slavisli. at iiis side, whose eyes. 
Like two devourino; tlaines. slionc out 
i-'rom otluM-wise an open blank — a dried 
Up waste of face. The next tliere stood 
A self-important imp of darkness, straight 
And still", a paragon ofCxccllenrc, 
Made up from odds and ends of wickedness, 
Ilard striving to attract the public gaze 
And concentrate it on liorself. 
The Devil, tlius improved in general plan. 
Was there in female form and known as Uride. 
Direet in front sat Wisdom in 
Reflective mood. 

Within the center of 
This semicircle, stood a bold aiid manly form. 
Of stature tall and straitiht, with mus('les 
Swelling in their strength ; high, jieaving chest, 
And limbs of finished shape. Ui)on 
His light, brown skin, in crooked lines 
Of varied color, tliere were drawn 
llude traces of :i wild adornment, wliile 
Upon his head, hmg plumes, fnun some 
(ireat fairy bird fresh ])hicked, were 
Tastefullv arranged. His face was oj)en. 
Broad, without expression, lit up o?dy by 
An eye of steady gaze, wherein Ihere Inrked 
A hidden Hre. Upon his shoulders hung 
A short, loose sack of cobn- like nnto 
A golden sunset mixed Avith evfMiing gray; 
And round his middle clung a blood- red scarf. 
In such hal)ilinu'nts as these, in stu])born 
Silence anil resei-ve. this spb^idid son 
Of nature sat,— bold Aborigines. 

Behind tlie skirts of Pride, so neat 
And dressy round her little body hung. 
Sat crouching at her feet in most 
Dcjecjted mood — the very picture of 
Despair — in loose and wealiier-beaten garb — 
The chains upon his swelling limbs, held fast 
Within his hands to hush \]\v\y ]\eartless noise, 
Despised, unwept, submissive liabor, 



MY III GRAMA. 25 

In council Avith the spirits there. 

The g'ohlen li^ht of morning shone 

With mellowed softness in u[)on 

The sacrect council, as in solemn mood 

It sat in that ethereal hall. 

A holy silence rei^ii,-ned amid the group. 

Their hidden thoughts, within themselves. 

Like sleeping mountains lay. and nought 

But calnicomposure r(\sted there, so far 

As outward signs revealed the latent germ. 

Slow rising to his feet. Great Wisdom spoke : 

"Exalted beings, spirits of the air. 

Bold representatives of all the deep — 

The struggling thoughts and hoi)es of man, 

Here risen from the sleeping dead of earth 

In high del)are. hear what I would saj^ 

And then decide. Far out within 

The shadowy tiujc to come, a nation is to live; 

A people born of Freedom, in a land 

By two contlicting lords now claimed. 

In fertile soil the seed's already' sown, 

And soon where now in stately silence 

I^ature reigns, the busy marts of men 

Will rise, "independence with his grant. 

From God, ejectment brings against 

All intervening rights; and for defence 

Great Kingcraft pleads a prior claim. 

By reason of his long established rule. 

If other rights there be. oi- reasons pro. or con. 

Why or whj' should not this enterprise 

Proceed, let them now be told and heard."' 

Then Independence rose and said : 
"From all of earth's allurements and 
Her deadly snares, hy slow, deterniincd ste])s. 
At length I'm free. Througli many ages of 
Distress, defeat and shame. ])y unseen hand 
Borne up. I've passed, till now. in God's 
Good, chosen time, he sets his finger on 
The verge of heaven here and points me to 
The western land. He bids me hapten there 
And with me t.-rke the scattering tide of men 
That now so wildly runs o'er idood-slained tields- 
Of earth, and build my people there. "Tis on 



^6 MYllIORAMA. 

This sjrant and b}' Supreme command, I claim 
Tiie ri^iit of (r-ntry tliore. to (io and he 
What seemeth ri^ht to him.'' 

Next Kin.!?craft spoke. 
" B3' right of ancient nse; by all the laws 
'Mon<>' mortals known, that land is mine. 
Throuojh storms and seas, my subjects sailed 
Long years aj>*o; they found that western world; 
In my «»-reat name possession took. 
And in the book of time 'tis so recorded. 
'Tis part and pan^d of my kin<i:ly realm, 
And now upon the map of my dominions it 
Is fairly marked. I hold exclusive right 
And have no compromise to make." 

Ambition quickly rose, while Irom liis eyes 

The hidden lire of his earnest soul. 

In streams of inborn eloquence ran out. 

And in a tone of hurried grandeur, thus 

He spoke : " Whatever God commands, let men 

Obey. If conquest needs be had ; if war 

Must come 'twixt Independence and 

This monster king; if blood of men must flow 

Before he yields his grinding grasp where Liberty 

Wwild plant iier foot; if all the great expanse 

Of eastern world will notsutlice to till 

His thirsting veins, and nothingless than rule 

Of earth he'll have, then let the tocsin sound. 

My voice shall be for war until Ihe world is free." 

And glowing, burning spirit as he was,. 

Amid a murmur of applause he took 

His seat, wliile Labor, poor, dejected being, shook 

His chains and muttered in a smothered tone, 

''Blessed 'oe the name of God^^imen !" 

And Pride, with bold, repulsive look 

Did shudder in her ire and demanded that 

The wretched being in his rags and chains 

Be driven frotn the liall. but no responsive throb 

In that august assemblage came. 

And burning with her disappointment, turned 

Herself with scorn about, and strutted 

Proudly out of sight. 

When Avarice had raised 
His husky voice, all eyes in wonder looked. 
In slow and haughty phrase, of hidden truth 



MYRIORAMA. V 

Thonsjh full, anrl snpercllioiiR air, he said : 
^'Thirquarrel'^ none of nsy bea;etting. My name 
Is known wherever mim Iuir been ; and in 
The land now in dispute, my votaries reside. 
To me it matters not how ends the light; 
I deal wit'p. men. their passions and their feuds — 
And not their plans. 

Then Mercy mildly spoke,' 
The while her tiny hand she pointed toward 
The warrior chief". " Hear him, " she said. 
To liis utmost lie3;>-ht then rising up, 
In slow, clear words the chieftain spoke: 
*» My home above the great long tree-tops 
Of the distant western mountain, 
Is happy now and peaceful. 
In that pleasant land of slumber, 
Wliere the Overruling Spirit 
Watches always o'er my people, 
There's many a thing attractive. 
I love bold indep(^ndence. 
Fair Liberty and Virtue; 
And they may make their home there. 
Mv people, iionest. living justly, 
Aspiring ojdy to be happy. 
Great Justice v.' irh his mandate, 
jAnd Wisdom with hi;^ learning 
Would Mnd with theme welcome. 
'•They are a trusting, icarless people, 
Brave and generous in their nature; 
They only ask that tliose they welcome 
Will not, in the coming future, 
Cheat them and betray them ; 
And further, tliat their native freedom 
Remain forever unmolested. 
Kingcraft. Vvith his wealtli abundant. 
And Avarice, with his look of treason, 
And foolish Pride, so stiQ'and fretful, 
Would not there be fondly greeted. 
Except they'd swear upon the altar 
Of the Great Almighty Spirit 
They'd not disturb our ancient pleasures. '^ 

Thus finished Aborigines; and in a glow 
Of splendid passion, prond Ambition sprang 
In front of him with Independence at 



•is MYRIOKAMA. 

His side, and in an earnest voice, botli spalio 
At once. " Bold broriier of the west, 
Have hope and not a tear. Tlicse arms, 
As far as in tiiein lies, the rich reward 
Of fairness will bestow, and fi-om tlie tread 
Of King's, we'll keep thee tree forever. 
B6 content. •' 

' " 'Tis well, the chieftain said. 
Thy promise, if 'tis faithfully observed, 
Is g'uaranty of peace forever. 
But have you power over tliese reserved 
And darker looking spirits ? Will they swear 
.Vnd promise me as j'ou have done? 
And will the\^ in the coming time deceive us?" 

" God above docs rule. Leave this all to Him," 
Said Justice. •• What he does is litly done. " 
With peaceful look the chiefr:uu t(H")k his seat. 
Then Virtue, drawing up her veil, with voice 
Of purest pathos, and so gentle tliat it fell 
Like starlight on the scene, i-epeated — '"Peace 
On cartl), good will toward men." 

Labor, thus 
Encouraged, meekly then essayed to speak. 
*" Most noble spirits, may I ask that now 
These chains be loosed upon my limbs? 
In your new and happy nation, must 
I toil in want, as in the past I've done? 
Oh I can you not at once release me here 
And set me free"? T j)ray you morft devout, — '' 
And Kingcraft bounded toward him like 
A beast of prey, to strike the wretched being down, 
But gentle Mercy stood between the two, 
And poor, meeksufterer staggered ))ack. 
Then Libertj^ did soothingl}'^ declare. 
That •' in the happy time to come, he, too, 
Should bask in lieaven's sunlight, free 
From bonds and fetters. There slie'd watch 
Him in the western world and pray 
The Lord for his deliverance. •' 

Wisdom, then, in somewhat liappler mood, 
Addressed the council thus: 
''This interchange of thought has shown 
That i)eacefully this contest will not end 



MYPJORAMA. 21* 

At this uppoiiited time and place. Through- all 

The wondrous universe of thin^cs, 

Beneath the surface lurks a vein 

Througii which God's spirit permeates 

The wliole and sends up higher planes 

Of life. His ends hy means to us 

Unseen. His will obtains. Whatever He 

Permits within the sphere of His 

Eternal plan, performs its part 

In making up a better world. In all 

The changing scenes, the later than the first ^ 

More pure, and nearer the supernal end. 

This now unsettled aim will prove a good 
When He is ready to disclose the end. 
Go build your nation there. Let all 
Your varied and opposing forces join, 

In proper balance held each to its plac-e 
To make the people good; and if, in time, 
When, in the distant blue of coming years 
Another epoch come by reason of your wide 
Diverging thoughts and modes of action, and 
You fail to weave yourselves into a web 
Harmonious and sound in all its parts. 
Then let the will of God prevail. All things 
He doeth well. " 

Justice bowed assent, 
And with a searchin<^ look, and voice 
That rolled like evening thunder overhead, 
Responded thus to all that had been done : 
*' In what you undertake be just, be kind. 
Be merciful, and look to God for help. " 

A sudden light of brighter glare then darted in 
Upon the happy group. Ten thousand 
Twinkling stars, outbursting sprang 
Upon the disc; unnumbered happy spirits 
From high above came down in groups 
And clapped their hands in joy, the while 
They shoutod in angelic chorus : '' Hail^ 
All hail the den/ ivhich gave to Liberty 
Her birth. " They sang their joyful song. 
And moved about in endless circles of 
Delight, until within the glare of this 
Besplendent light, while loud long sliouts 
Of cheer rang through the upper air, 



3# MYRIORAMA. 

Slowly, like a mist nnyestic i jsino- up, 
Dissolving as it went into the (listanoe 
Moving lngh, the holy temple faded from 

The view, and then a moment gone — 

The spirits moving West the while. — 
Twajj vanished as a midnight dream. 



MYRIORAMA. 31 



CHAPTER II. 

REMARKS. 

The territorv occupied by the early colonists, and the thirfccca 
States, with their unocciUJic I appeudagcs-theu- topography- 
is shown The treatment of the Indians by the more avaricwus 
of the settlers, with the wars resulting;, and the superstitio.a 
and intolerance of the times, as sliown »" the judicial cogni- 
zancc of witchcraft, and t\v^ b.inish.ujat ol llodger Williams; 
together with the gradual growth of s avery, and the PreJ«<3»cf3 
of race, are detailed iti the personal history ot each spirit And 
also, the virtues of a large muority ot the people, and the in- 
fluence of the spirit of freedom, as well as the causes ot tho 
foreshadowed Revolution. . 

Upon the land like m:intling' shroiul, the nignt 
Had creot. Unnumbered happy stars 
Their laui^hin^- light sent peering tiirough 
The deop^blue air, a .sleepless watch 
Keposing nature o'er ro keep. 

And stillness, soft and sweet^is childhood n, dream, 
Upon the earth did rest. Oh, happy land,^ 
Outstretched up)n the bosom of the sleeping earth, 
Thy slumbers fanned by l)reeze of night; 
Thy peaceful rest made happy by the voice 
Of God in silent st^arlight speaking, like 
To faithful sentinels on post of duty; 
Above thy smiling face, extending high, 
Tiretherial arch, wiih diamonds set- 
Resplendent coronet of night— in deepest 
Grandeur hanging. How lovely thou ^ 

In this thy native vesture sleeping. Thy plains, 
In God's green coveriui^ spread out upon 
The lap of night and softly drinking in 
The gathering dew; thy fount;iins, streams. 
And rivers all in silence musing in 
Their midnight reveries; thy valleys and 
Thy hills made fragrant l).v t'te breath 
Of nature's purest odors ; thy deep. 



.52 MYRIOEAMA. 

D ...... . 

A 

Beton? cbe scoruss oi arter reajs disiarbt?d 
Thy peaceful rest. 

But lo«>k : ■ . - now. 

A grevisb li*zlit upon the - \v 

Is - ' - • ■ - -- remalliffht 

If ice 

B : ... - -rh 
From air. »v iLaiu oir^ ixr^yui oi that dark 

Itshe:.: " / " ^ ir. 

Their - 

rntn :!-. ^^gtt- 

Her scarry : . ip. 

Bemoves L - . - ng 

Nature wakc^ to xiic. Twe :^uii — ^reat burning globe 

From out the yawTiin?»lenrhs t-k^hlne, in slow 

Majestic mien. r. - " - • -^^i^ 

An'5 dirts nrKT-n - ng 

j.^--^...- his:...- 

T^ . aneoual 

T - -ealr: U 

TLcy i>lay their luu;^ ^ \i; wii^I^ia 

The' venlant valleys elves 

A ■ =tart the r. _ - = : 

T indsparl* 

Q...v-.„, leaves: an.- _.--_ . - 

The dew. All nature wakcc? irvm her 

Repose to kiss the :- nvn-jr Ti?*:'rT^. A.? they wave 

Their rich, gre-r _ ' r^nce 

Bow the forest 

Of prtiise. Gtt v.. snow-capt 

Peaks to m: : :. T : _ - _ .nd shake 
The mists «: : :::_ L : .. -vn 

Their sides young oiSv a.les liicoe. an=.l hound. 

jy^ ft ik*Di ^^'■^n'Z tr*~'ni leils^e to led 2^ 

I - 

With :fiowers. spread their carpets oat 

For mir. 5." ^. ^east to walk on. From 

Many r wigwam springs i 

The n rior up, while beasts shake oC ^ 



MYRIOKAMA. 1^ 

Their Ia2.y sleep, and birds do plume them§elv« 
For flight and sin«: their sweetest notes. 
The land breaks forth in one ofrand hymn 
Of praise to God the Eternal Kinjr, 
:\nd nature smiles to vSee herselt so fair. 

Twas here the finger pointed from the cloud; 
Twas here the scattering people were to come; 
Twas here the infant nation should be born, 
In this fair land w here nature in her 
Simple beauty reiji-ned supreme, so pure. 
So unrestrained in all her wild abode. 
This happv, virufin, free America. 

« * * « * « 

Tvvo hnndred vears and more had passed 
Since then. At -^nd thereof we stand, and trac« 
The story on. Beginning then, when first 
The sons of IJbertv did set tlieir fe^t on shore 
Of this the promised land,— the day on which 
The youthful nation moved within the womb 
Of time in warning of its future birth; 
When love of freedom and the right 
Drove tides of men from eastern shores 
And wafted them to this; when rage, and hate 
Of libcrtv recoiled and on the crest 
Of the re"ceding wave, with Hope, sweet 
Angel for their guide, meek sufferers rode 
In safety home: when all the public mind 
Was fretted, whipped and stung unto despair, 
And flying victims sought the western world 
For peaceful exercise of right; when first 
Our mountains echoed with the ringing song 
That Christian freemen sung; at that 
Immortal epoch in our country's life 
We take its history up and trace 
The onward tread of freedom's march. 

The fortresses of nature where, for all past tim^ 
The world of progress stood at bay. 
Begins to yield as christian sunlight melts 
Their icv stavs. and savage wildncss 
Falters back in front of the advancing light. 
The hunting grounds of savage chiefs. 
Beneath the culture of true working men, 
Rich fields of ripening grain become; 



34 MYKIORAMA. 

And where the native Indian warwlioop once 

Did echo tlirou*j:n the vales, now thcM'e 

The woodMian's axe is heard, and forests full 

Before i» is stroke. Small towns arise 

And tiiese by slow decrees to cities grow, 

Wliere but a few short years before, 

The wigwam and the viliay:e stood. 

Ttiiis rusti<; nature yields her rei^n, and in 

The course of years, the <>-olden wheat 

Her rich, ripe li irvests yichJs; tlie ;ir.)wing grass 

In rippling waves overspreads the fields. 

And tasseiing corn makes glad the farmers' heart, 

Wliere !)easts and hunters roamed unharmed 

!Not many moons ago. 

As time lifts up 
Her moving feet, and sets tliem down ahead, 
The sons of Liberty increased in sti^^ngth, 
In nnmt)ers and extent of place. 
Their growing power and possessions drove 
Kesistaiice back, and trade and commerce grew 
Apace. The children too ot ali the 
Other spirits. Justice. Wisdojn, Pride, 
Ambition, and the rest, increased 
Their number and their wealth; each holding fast 
To all he gained and striving hard tor more. 
Long years of struggling toil and change, 
Of sickness, deatli aiid savage war. 
These patient pilgrims worked in faitli. 
From chains and Kings themselves had come, 
And in their hope to be forever free. 
They knew no labor too severe, or pain 
Too great to bear, if by enduring it 
Another step toward freedom's star 
Was gained. This never dying hope 
Was ever in their hearts. It was their meat 
And drink; their shelter froui the storms 
Which in their new-made homes did beat 
So mercilessly on them. This hope, 
Their guardian angel in the dtirk 
Ami di-eaiy ni -his of trial; for it 
They struggled ►n ; for io no dark despair 
Oerwhelmv^'U Lueir trusting hearts. li8hone 
Through all the dismal night; it laughed 
AVhen morning came, and m ide the heat 
Of noontide cool. It sang in every breeze 



MYIUOKAMA. 

And rode upon the threatening storm. 
Bi-i^ut an^ei thou, tlie goitleu star of hope, 
How lon^- we've foHowed thee tliroujt^h all 
The thorn}' walk?; of life; how many years 
Of darkness thou hast lighted; liow many 
Pilgrims love thee, and thy name. 

King Phillip with his bloody band, and he. 

The Wnnipanoag chief, — the bold, 

Brave Metainoia, and hl?^ tribe, 

With Iiunch-eds more no less renowned, 

Their flihted arrows, with unerring aim 

Struck deep in many a heart. Brave men 

And free were tjjey. Tliey yi(;lded up their landi 

And liomes, and ancient usage with 

Their lives. They braved the flowing tide 

With manly eourage, but they tell and sank 

Beneath the waverthough not until its crest 

Was tinged with white men's blood. Along 

The channels of those flowing years, 

A thousand milemarks point tlie way 

To blood aiul death, where (Jhiistian meri 

And sayage fought and died on many 

A hard coritesred field; and here and there 

All o'er the land, in little tnounUs of earth, 

Where now the plow share runs and homes 

Of happy childr n rise, tiieir bones lie hid, 

Forgotten and unknown, save only where 

Recording angels note the deeds of men. 

Mount Hope, and all the tragic scenes 

Of war so near it played, hath for themselvea 

In history a place, where children yet 

Unborn may read the dreadful tale" 

Of pilgrims slaughtered and destro3'ed 

By Indian tomahawk. Wyoming tells 

Her tearful story too. where l)hKKl-staincd rocki 

Of PennsylvaniiVs rugged liills bespeaiv 

The travelei's eye and whisper to iiim of 

A time when thirst for blood in savage 

Kature raged, and Cliristians fell 

A sacrifice to terrible revenge. 

These and many more. 

So struggled on 
Through all these long two hundred yeara 



3e MYIUORAMA. 

And more, those faithful, earnest men. 
A tremhlin)^ few iit Plymouth then, 
With here and there alons? the watery beach 
Of wide Atlantic's wave, another little band, 
To many now had g^rown, and westward still 
The tide rolLs on to Mississippi's bank. 
No mountains intervening-, forests deep, 
Or river in its rolling Hood, could stay 
Their onward march. Before their strong 
Unyielding will, all else gave way, and now 
A busy, active, (/hristian people dwell 
Where once the savage, with his bow and shaft, 
Hjid roamed at will. Beneath their feet 
The wastes of nature lay reclaimed, 
And churches now, and cities rear 
Their heads where forests then denied 
Approach, and mountains hid the view. 
'Twas thus they toiled, and tlius they won 
The rit'h reward of persevering hope. 
And uurnedt faith in God's direction. 

We've sc-fn the steady progres.=: of that band 

Of Spartan heroes true, who with them bore, 

'Mid all the changes of that clianging time, 

The flag of freedom up ; and how, 

Through many bitter years of pain and toil 

They never faltered in their onward march; 

But braving every storm which came 

Upon their path, and holding fast 

To faith, they won at last the golden prize. 

We've seen them grow from feebleness 

To strength ; from little brother band 

United by one hope, one end and aim 

And only one — their freedom— to a people stromg 

And brave, and spread o'er wide extending tracte, 

Diversitied their interests and plans, 

With all the elements of national wealth. 

If concentrated in one common whole, 

To make a nation equid with the best. 

From small and feeble colonies at lirst ; 

A few determined men, set down 

On narrow cape along Atlantic's shore. 

Or farm upon the James scarce large 

Enough to feed the hopeful band who trod 

Vpon ltd iioil, a thriving people now have growa» 



MYT?IORAMA. 8T 

•Hiey tamed thn envuuv wild : away 

Tbe foifsts elcnird : i!.*' Indian with h\^ '^toiHJ 

Resolve compelled to vi<dd; -vn Immo l^ears 

And bats in old<'n tim*' hixd >^nuned _ 

And winked the time away, there cities 

Built tliey up. Aero^^s the rivers aiiu 

The plains tiicir liehl^ ^xt^nded f:ir. 

And wilderness with thrilry eonnueree spread. 

Their number? multiplied with wondrous sijctd, 

That now. the time whereof we write, 

Three millions stronu' they'd orown. and trom 

The little pilgrim hand, lo thirteen great 

And noble States of Christian men. 

We'll now take up another vein, and trace 

The footprints of eacdi master spirit 

As 't is stamped upon the passing tmie. 

To see what inlluenees eacli has had 

In making up the people and their name 

As now we sec them. We'll look beneath 

The surface of events, and down the lane 

Of these two centuries nnd more : 

We'll follow up the unf<dt synipatliies that in 

Their silent tread had left their intnge on 

The times, and learn what work they've done; 

How much of evil have they sown, and what 

Was reaped of seed they'd phmted there. >> e 11 looK 

Alon"' the deep and hidden stream of mind 

That°uns beneath atfairs of men. and when 

They sleep or wake, or toil or laugh, their 

Natures moulds and makes them a hat they are. 

We'll see the silent contest of conllicting aims; 

The mvstic mixing up by slow 

Degrees of strange incongruous elements, 

Which to unpractised e}'es do seem 

A com(dy whole; how princndes, unlike 

in nature and design, by silent contact came 

In time to permeate th(^ whoh.>; and how 

The onward moving will of God. 

Deep underlviug all, ijermitted this 

Contagion, this intcrehange an<l mix 

Of spirit, this combination of d»?sign and aitu» 

Unlike within themselves, in tlie aftairs 

Of men, to consummate His just intent. 

We'll see what progress spirits made 



38 MYinOKAMA. 

In mill ti ply inii' kind, ami fixing on the ehild 
The impres? of Mic parent will ; how oft 
Unguarded passions Interwove tl)eni.<elve.^ 
With good, and nnwatched sin has left 
Its slimy track tlirongh much of these 
Good pilgrims' hopes. 

First, then, we'll sec 
The work which Avarice, in his secret plans, — 
His low and f)a>e desiiiiis, ha<l done. 
When first the little hjiiid had set their feet 
On shore, this restless, tliievin<>" spirit eanie 
And followed all tlieir way-. When ni.iiht 
Came on and in their tin}- huts they slept. 
He crept upon tlje breeze and whispered in 
Their ears a siren son^if oi" tjain. 
He told them of fair lands and lich 
Within their rea(di w lii<'h only they 
Could see and hold. Jle conjured up 
Bright dreams of gold, and blew them 
Into life. He painted wealth and opulence 
In shining ^lare upon their yielding brains; 
He opened up tiie earth to them, and showed 
The latent treasures there with all their wealth 
Untold : he painted maps of distant lands 
Upon their hearts, — ore.it mountains filled 
With gold, and flowing vales wh(M"e diamonds 
Sparkled in the night ; of undulating plain-? 
Where ease and wealth grew up like corn 
And waved their heads in richest air. 
With these and kindred things, by slow. 
Unceasing work, he filh;d their niinds, 
Slow pouring in uj)on their simple hearts, 
liikc fell miasmn, all the evil lie eouhl coin. 
By night, by day, incessantly and lon^. 
This silent, devilish thing did work 
Upon their hearts, until the weaker ones. 
Less able to resist than many of their kind. 
Gave way and fell into his snare. 

The subtle working of his dangerous art.s. 
Like anaconda, wound them in its coil, 
And poisoned all the good that years 
Of trouble there had sown. His evil work 
Was seen by better spirits and deplored; 
But by a fatal compromise with sin 



MYIirOKAMA. 39 

Which first in Eden Jiad been made, ho won — 
This wicked spiiii— won his end, in spite 
Of all their eilorts to defeat his plans. 

By slow and steady steps his ehildrcn «rrcw, 
And love of gain beuan to s(;ar their li(>arts. 
"Without a tl»ou.j>ht of ri.nht or wroiiij in what 
They did, tliey look the lands of trusting men 
>Vho bade them welcome in the ohien time. 
Nor ofiered them rowar<l. The unsuspecting 
"Warrior on liis native chase, dreamed not 
Of want or what would meet him in 
His happy home where, ganie secured. 
He then should wander hack. But so it was. 
His lands, his home, where nuniy countless moons 
In peace he dwelt; where graves of fathers lay 
And many other sacred spots, here— there— 
The white man came, and he was crowded out. 
In patient, earnest effort, he appealed 
To all the g^ner()us impulses of men. 
Bespeaking patient audience to his wrongs. 
He ottered peace and safety then and for 
All time to come. His manly heart he pledged 
For this, and justice ojily asked as pav. 
His native home v ith fondness did he'love. 
And could not yield it thus to wrong.— 
For wrong it surely was: the Great Supreme 
Declared it was. 

But Avarice liad done 
His work. His chlhhMi pushed the red man out; 
Destroyed his wigwams, and his lands fenced up; 
His game they cai)tured, and the graves wherein 
His fathers slept, they ran their i)low-share3 through, 
And cleared away his forest lumncs. 
His native, simple spirit turne<l at thig, 
And in his bitter disappointment did 
He wage terrilic war upon the trespassers. 
The better pilgrims did not dare to see 
Their neighbors fall, lest thev in turn became 
The victims of revenge; and thus in self-defence 
Were they compelled to countenance 
A wrong. In order to sustain themselves, 
They must defend their neighbors, though 
Their trouble came of wrong themselves 
Had done, because their colony was weak. 



40 MYRIORAMA. 

Eneourajiicd thus, the sons of Avarice played 
Upon the weakness of their friends and won 
Thti lands of Aborigines witliont retnrn. 

By oft repeated strMt:i.:!j:eni and wrong* 

They multiplied their gains, and blood, 

Ancl death, and earnage. as u f've seen. 

Grew eomnion in the huid. \\ hat tlie good 

Would have avoided, they'd no power 

To prevent; and thus fronj year toyear, 

As time grew on, tin* t'eiid iiM-n^ased, 

And bitter wars w«'re w aged. The other's ^oo(J 

"Each one was bonnd to wish, and when 

The trouble eanie, no question then 

Of right or wrong was a^ked ; but safety 

For the wlioh.^ was nioiivc strong tnough 

To bind them in rlieir r( nnnon iieed. 

Such means as tliese eombincd to work 

A patient toil among the better class; 

And thongh nineli more of evil Avarice did. 

Might here be told, h't thi< siifliee. and know 

That while much mischief liad he done, 

Had poisoned many, a virgin hoart 

And sowed prolitie seed, remaining still 

Unharmed were mneli the greater part 

Of them uliose history we wiite. 

And to their lasting honor it is said 

Their virtue was a shiehl against 

His wicked darts. Thfy paid tlie hnlian for 

The lands of his tht'v tiiok. 

lint foolish Pride 
pid little headway make am*>ng 
iThese Rturdy son^ of toil. Quite true, 
The faithful coadjutor oftentinn'S 
And steadfast f: ii-nd of Avaiice, yet 
Her manner, as it always is, was i)ad. 
And so repulsive, that iier very name. 
Despised and hated a-^ it was. and ever 
Bhould so be. was driven from their thoughts; 
And though she dwelt there long, and made 
Ilel" house witli better things, it happened 
That for very shame she ebanged her name. 
And waited for a tietter titue to come. 
Without companions in her maiden name. 



MYRIOKAMA. 41 

In part she passed her time awny. Although 
Her seed she sowed, as yet but little fimt 
Appeared. 

Poor, honest Labor. ])a(ieiitly 
And long had born*; his* round of toil. 
Each pa^M? of tliis j;ro«rres.sIve book did hear 
His name in lar;;est ty^>e. If forest cleared, 
Or city built: if valleys sniiMl, or tields 
With bloomin.i>' <rrain 'looked jray ; his brawny arm 
Had done it all. But by some freak 
Or frenzy of the times, liis children, while 
They t^rew mosr rapidly in numbers and 
In streniith, betwixt themselves had drawn 
A line dividinic white from black. 
In honor those, dishonor these had grow u. 
The reason none aftirmed. Peilsaps 
If never Pri<le had wormed hejself 
Between, no dillV.rence had been, 
For surely both alike had toih;d. But so 
It was; and while in cliains the one. 
The other free, together had they grown 
And none more valued there than they. 

Determined In his work, his interest 

Guarding well, old Kingeratt grew quite larg(j 

And fat."^ When savage warfare raged. 

And Pilgrims* blood Van fast, he sent 

His troops of war to helj) them tight 

And drive the red nu-n back. Without 

His timely aid mueh damagt! had been done. 

If danger threatened, King<M'aft came: 

And when disasters stalkeil ax.-ross their path, 

He hired mcreenai-y trooj>s to drive 

Them all away. When dangerous feuds arose. 

In very kindness— (no other motive, sure, had he) — 

T* arrange the ease, he sent his viceroys out, 

And by his generous oversight of things. — 

His kind protecting guardianship, w hile they 

Did all the work, he woji upon, their hearts, 

And great, oh, very great grew he. So much 

Attention to the rule he gave: suclj deep. 

Unselfish interest in their good. 

That while they dug and plowed and built, 

He heldthe compass in his hands. 

When fields of eoru were harvested 



40 MYRIORAMA. 

Dneouragci! thus, the sons of Avarice played 
Upon the weakness of their friends and won 
*Ihu lands of Aborigines withont vetnrn. 

By oft repeated stratii.irein and wrong 

They multiplied their <>ains. and blood, 

Andf death, and earna<^e, as we've seen. 

Grew common in the buid. \\ haf die ^ood 

Would have avoi(hMl, they'd no |H>wer 

To prevent; and thns frx>in year to year, 

Ab time grew on, tlie tend iiicrf^ased. 

And bitter wars were w asod. The other's goo«J 

"Each one was hound to wish, atui when 

The trouble came, no question then 

Of right or wrong was a'^ked : but safety 

For the wliole was nu)iiv(' strong enough 

To bind Iheni in their < i nnnon need. 

Such means as tliese ('ombincd to work 

A patient toil among the b«'tter class; 

And though mueii more of evil Avarice did, 

Hisfht here be told, let thi< sutlice. and know 

That while much mischief had he done, 

Had poisoned mnny a virgin heart 

And sowed prolitic seed, remaining still 

Unharmed were much the greater part 

Of them whose history we wiitc. 

And to their lasting honor it is said 

Their virtue was a shiehl against 

His wicked darts. Tfit'y jmid tlie Indian for 

The lands of his thev took. 

But foolish Pride 
pid little headway make among 
irhese sturdy son^'of toil. Quite true, 
The faithful coadjutor oftentimes 
And steadfast friend of Avarice, yet 
Her manner. a> it always is. was bad. 
And so repulsive, that her very name. 
Despised and hated as it was. and ever 
Should so h*\ was driveji from their thoughts; 
And though she dwelt there long. a)id made 
HeY house With b^Mler thi?igs. it happened 
That for very shame she changed her name. 
And waited tor a f>ctter time to come. 
"Without companions in her rwaiden name. 



MYRIOKAMA. 41 

In part she passed her time awny. Altluyagh 

Her seed she sowed,us yet but little fiiut 

Appcared^^^^^ honest I.abor. patieiitly 

And Ion? had borne his' round ot toil. 

Each paL^e of this i,rojrresslve book did Deai 

mtlLro. in larjrest lyDe. If forest c eared, 

Or Vitv built: il'vallevs smiUal, or tields 

Wi^ iloomin- ^raindooked jr.v ; Ms brawny arm 

Had done it all. But by sonie fveaK 

Or frenzy of the times, his <hildren, wh Ic 

Thev <^rew most rapidly in iiuTnt)er> ana 

In strens-th. betwixt thenistdves had drawn 

A line dividing white from Idaek. 

In honor those, dishonor thi'se had grown. 

The reason none aihrnuHl. Perl.aps 

If never Pride had wormed heiselt 

Between, no ditference had been. 

For surely both alike had toded. l>ut so 

Itwa=; and while in ehains the one. 

The other free. to<r:ether had they grown 

And none more valued there than they. 

Determined in his work, his interest 
Ouardin<- well, old Kin<i:eratt grew «iinte laigo 
And fat.^ When sava<re warlare raged, 
i^nd PiUi-ims' blood ran fast, he sent 
His trooi.=< of war to hell) tht-m tight 
And drive tlie red men l)aek. \V itliout 
His timelv aid much damage had been done. 
If danger threatened, Kingeraft came: 
And when disasters stalked aeross their path, 
He hired mcreenary troops to drive 
Them all awav. When dangerous tends arose. 
In very kindness— (no otiier motive, sure, had he)— 
T' arranire the ease, he sent his viceroys out, 
And bv his generous oversight of ihinp.— 
His kind protecting guardianship, while tliey 
Did all the wojk. he won upon their hearts, 
And great, oh, very great grew he. 80 much 
Attention to the rule he gave; sucti deep, 
Unselfish interest in their good, 
That while they dug and ploweil and built, 
He hehtthe compass in his hands. 
When- fields of corn were harvested 



42 MYRIORAMA. 

Or \vint(^r stores prepared, 'twas merely for 
A tithe to feed the tarviii^ir poor, to pacify 
The thron«jr, a very little too indeed, to clothe 
The kin;j, he sent his tax collectors out. 
By gentle means at first, like morning dews 
Upon the early pastures falling v^own, 
lie fed and fawned tliese ^trusting men. 
As time went rolling l)y,'so pleasant was 
His kingsliip then in all the soft 
Cajoleries of sweetened lies, by slow 
Unseen attempts, — one point attained, 
Another then in prospect near. — his power 
Over them increased until, no more 
Their will respecting, he uiuuasked 
Himself and showed his brazen front. 

His petty, grasping wiles too well he kept 

Concealed. Wlien fire must be built 

To burn wierd witches ui), 'twas m -ndy lit 

He said to purify the tainted atmosphere 

And chase contagion out; and when 

To banishment he drove an independent mind, 

*Twas freedom's interest he served, that liberty 

Of speech might grow, and make men wise. 

Oh ! wretched monster, how I hate thee now 

In all thy da/zling infamy ! Away ! 

May shade of night o'erta'ke thee soon 

And hide thy hideous, repulsive shape 

From human view, and there remain 

Until thy just reward be given thee. 

At length they felt the chafing of his yoke. 
And saw the lurid glare of red hot chains 
Fast forging for their limbs. The cold 
And clammy coil the serpent gives 
Came o'er their hearts, and then remonstrance 
Oft repeated came, nvsistance next, and last, — 
But no, — not now, again we'll talk of that. 

What Aborigines had done or left undone; 
"What part he took in this dramatic scene; 
What good or evil in his plans; what wrongfii, 
If any, he inflicted on his neighbor's rights, or in 
His person suffered, need not now be named. 
Aj^ain, before this song determines, he may apeak 



MYRIOKAMA. 4» 

His own nnd olliers >.vron;^p. Till tlion let liim 
Kei)'>st», nui\ \\c will look at Mercy, swccl, 
Sweet ani;el, as she rtstt* with in the view. 

For each specifie ill of mnn, slie linds 

A balm, a pure, a holy (-nre. WIhmi pain 

And want, and all the Icngtliened train 

Of dreadful war rolled hy ; w hen shH>j)let-s nights 

Of lon<j: and |»ati(nt wuteh did stretch 

Their gloomy sliad«>ws out; when hate. 

And all tin; tlery |>:iss5ons ra<ir(*<l 

And laid tlieir taint ln;i" victims low; 

When sickness, death, and jiiiawinsi: wot^ 

Fell hard npoti them in tlx'ir new-inade homes, 

She came to their relief and iicntly poured 

Her vials out. The lin^xerinu- pains of de^ath 

She smoothed; i)n'vcnte»; n)any a stroke 

Of fallinjr tonjahawK. and often turned t])e edfj^e 

Of well dire<'ted knife. No enemy she knew 

From firmest friend. Wheiever s'utterinji: eame 

She went with liealiiijr in lier words; 

Wherever toilin<r pil;iritn worked, or watched, 

Or slept, or [>ray<'d. she trnned his fare 

The while and l»reathed into his thirsty sonl 

The brightest words of «heer. When sleeping babe«, 

By cruel savage slain, their little spirits gave, 

She vvra!'.ite<l them in her robes of love 

And took them gently home. When happy, 

Laughing girls, to torture and revenge 

Fell helpless sacriti«e. their plaintive cry 

For help she heard and told them to her Ciod. 

If ever winter storms blew snow-drifts round 

Their beds of stra\\, or cold and liunger chilled 

Their aching limf»s; when children cried 

For bread and none was tht>re to give; 

When patient mothers wrai»|)ed their babe« 

In arms of death ; when watchful fathers prayed 

To God for aid lU many a troubled hour. 

Then was Mercy the rt*. to comfort and 

To warm the fr< c/.ing heart. 

Bright angel ! oh. 
How often in tlie stillness of the cheerless night, 
When want and dosfltution stared in every star, 
And lowered in the passing elouds. Invs thy 
Sweet voice been heard and felt. Go on 



44 MYKIORAMA. 

In thj- unfjcHc work. The God who heaiH 
The widow's cry reward thee. 

His roots withio 
Tlie virgin voil Anj])iti()ii planted deep; 
And, like a skillful <>ard(!ncr trained 
In fruitinfj: vines, whene'er the tender shoots 
Appeared, he pruned thoni l)at;k, that when 
By age niaturtul, and not till then, their lull 
Grown fruit might yield without a fear 
Of failing strength. A prudent si)irit this: 
He guarded well his hehl. His hand 
To eveiy labor he apidied, and lent 
Jlis genius everywhere that nerve 
Was needed or sui-cess attained. The henelH 
Of all his patient work to them lie gave 
Nor asked return. In war he hurled 
A fearless and a certain shaft ; in pea^e 
Jle labored hard for good of tljose he loved. 
In every place, in every wojk, Aml)ition\s hand 
^Vas seen, and never faltere<i he, 
Nor gave a sign of yielding h()[)e. lie ehiii^ed 
The fleeting hours past; he cheered 
The irksome toil, and always gave reward 
To others, not hiniself. His ejid, his aim. 
His hope was in a star by them unse<!n — 
To them not risen yet above the deep. 
By stronger vision of prophetic light 
Which he possessed, that star by him 
Alone was seen and known in time 'twould rise. 
It8 sure approach would eon)e when all 
Things else w<?re ready. Hence his duty now 
To husband well his means and guard 
The wayward instincts of his sons. 
Their interests he made unite in one 
Or other ultimate design and end, and while 
lie kei)t from view his own renown, 
By zealous industry his po\> er iyyaw 
And stronger grew until his friends 
He could not number. I'reparing for 
Himself, he strengthened others' hope}?, 
And thus lie made the people steadfast, tnnt 
And happv. 

The child of Liberty 
Was every, throb and generous impulse of 



MYRIORAMA. 4^ 

The heart. Without their cherished mother, none 
Would thrive or live. Witliiii the veins 
Of every hardy son her blood did How; 
Her name on every lip, her praise on 
By^ry tongue, in every eye her burning fire. 
Her influence in every heart was always felt; 
And though the chill of Avarice, betimes, 
Or shining glare of Kingcraft's golden throne, 
8orae weak ones led astray, yet Liberty's 
Sweet voice, like heaven's music, in their souls 
Was ever ringing pleasant notes. About 
Her people watched she well, and every break 
Where stranger gods might make approach, 
She guarded with a mother's care. 
Her time she occupied in fostering 
Among her children that devout 
And holy love of freedom which she nursed 
Within her own pure heart; and though 
In later years, her voice was hushed to whisper 
By the heavy lash of Kingcraft's will. 
Yet never was her image bunished from 
Their loving hearts. 'Twas there it lurked, 
Like hidden germ, combustible at touch; 
And when her glorious name was sounded in 
The hush of night, or in the glare of noon 
A chord, a sympathetic something, in 
Their hearts vibrated in a sure response. 

The brightest star whicli shone upon their path 
And led them through the wilderness of years, 
Was that of Independence. His duty was to go 
About and hold his star in view. He nerved 
Their arms for labor, emboldened he 
Their fainting hearts, and taught them what 
Reward for patient watch and work. 
The camp wherein his soldiers slept 
He never left ; he guarded all their toil ; 
Rewarded all their labor done, and showed 
Them how, in the far off time to come, 
!tfo human master would they know. 
He watched the wiles of wicked Kingcraft too, 
Ahd curbcil the reins of grasping Avarice. 
He stimulated Progress ; Labor lie encourged; 
He cherished Liberty and virtue; Mercy he 
Delighted in her angel work by pointing; out 



46 MYinORAMx\. 

.Wliero <^l;f' ?v.i.L'"1it (><> hor dccrls of lovo; 
But Vv'ulr Ih' i);it(Ml. _\ v\ Ix' !o\ «•() ; {or much 
Of luM- misloitmic rniin' fVotu vant 
Of prop' r KiiowlcMliic <>1 Iut tM.< and 
Naturjil p; sirion. He h'd lii.^ cliilflnMi step 
By slci) iiiioiii;ii all lliis (li'<'ary liinr of work. 
And taii«j:lit tluMii whal >\ as lio| e. For love of liim- 
The piljirlnis li\etl. and in his n::mo they died. 
Throiiiih all the gloomy round of want,* 
Privation and dislicss. they followed slill 
With cheer his risin<i star. 

Tn visions of 
The eorninu' time, with here and rlirrci a start. 
Did rro;j:res.s ior the in(»sl i»art (Inam 
lli> time away ; hut oncf or twiiM' \\) every n^ot 
Or two. lie prophisied (he liettcr day ahead, 
A.S when upon the ,urave of ('olton Mather stood 
lie up and told of sliamef(d murder done 
By law of superstition made: or wept 
WhcJi Ivo.sjer Williams lo(»ked his last upon 
His native iiome. and siiowed to him 
A land wlnne 'twas not criminal to think. 
Api)recialed not to ;j:rcat extent until 
In later years, nor yet admin-d much 
Except as tril)ntary to success in time. 
It happened the condition of the state 
Was s«u'h in earl^ time, thai; this indusf rloui? 
Pioneer eoid<l do hut little work. The tim-j 
t'or him was comiiiii" hut hy slow decrees; 
And thus we see. tliat while apparently 
He slept, his dreams were of tne future yenrs. 
IHs voi<'e was theref. re weak. hi> Held 
Of Inl'or circumscribed, his lime had not 
Yet fully come. 

Pale Virtue, silent watel er, 
IJnassuniinji. ow dest. i^nre. her name 
Throujxh all the land revered ; in vale and on 
The nnvunlaiu t«>" tier praises did the 
Pilgrims sin*?. Within the l>ar(iue that bore • • 
The settleis out she eaine; she tauuht 
Thcni low to read to love, to pray. She helped 
Th'm l>uild their churches np nncl scIiooIf, 
And dedicated t'n m to t;od and l.i'>erty. ■ ' 

She i>urilied tleif ph^a?inres, blessed 



MYlirORAMA. Jit 

To them their pains, and tan<::ht the little ohgh 

Of Ohrist. Upon each pilsj^rinrs i»r:ive 

She built a cro^is; eacli evil turned to <;ood; 

From darkness brouglit she li*?ht, and in 

The midst of deepest pain a pleasure to 

The sufferer slie broui'ht. Within the hearts 

Of these her child reni friends, her name 

Was deep en«>raved. Sh<} tau<2:lit the mothers how 

To niar their children up; to train an lionest race 

The fathers how ; tlie sons to carve their names 

In truth and virtuous renown; to live 

In modest purity the dau^j^liters, and 

To fit themselves for future mothers of 

Their kind. Iler CMiristian work, had done" 

A general f^ood, had leavened all the State; 

Porot a truth, no nobler, belter class 

Of men and women ever graced the earth 

Outside God's chosen few, than those 

Our Revolutionary ancestors. 



MYRIOEAMA. 



CHAPTEFv lir. 

REMARKS. t 

Ambassador represents Amoricans pcUtionhiff t]>o KiDg of 
England for redress of grifvMiu-t>s. flic MinistiM- rc'iirescttte 
that class of IJrilisih statesmen -who oj)[)osed the kin.j; iu hts vrlir 
against the coloniOh; us l>urke. Tli-; .>t<tnu is typirtil of lUo cota- 
iug war. Then comes the l>eolMr;)i i"n «)f luricju-iuleuce, ajpd 
tholicvohitioii. The statometit-; o!" (he iiH-ssen,i,aT show the st«{0 
of public e\citeniciil iu the counliy in the carlj stagies of tho 
war, ' • .^ 

Within the coiUcr of the hind \vho>5e name 

We i»rHi.se, a monntain nin^a- nplifls 

Its rug«;oti hills from which, in youthful *j:lee, 

Bright JShenandoali sin«».s her cheerful song. 

Ili^h up ahovo [he n'St, ont^ lifts her crest. 

Where pines and oaks in happy concert dwell, 

And wave, and how their swayinjir tops 

A8 passin** hree/es play atnid tlieir bou<;hs; ^ 

Ami there a towerin;*: rock ui)rears his lieati. 

On either side, and to the rear ol this 

Majestic son of earth, as thou<rh to ^^uard 

Iliin from the storms; which sometimes play 

Around him there, two nohlc oak tices stood 

With wideontytretehin<r arms above 

In happy friendship meetin.ir. and 

A vine which wound itsellanjon^ the hough* 

In deep, rich clusters han^^^in^ o'er tlio rock, 

In silence nestled there, ami formed an arch 

Of everf^reen above the liall. 

Within 
This hifjh retreat that nature made 
For haunt of forest kin«:s, in pensive mood. 
As back and forth he i)aced the rock, 
Old Kinjjcraft with himself communed. 
Bomewhat disturbed in thought he see|ned. 
His head was forward bent, and deep 
Low murmurs, rather breathed than 8poke» 



MYKJOllAMA. 49 

Sometiinns escaped liir^ Slow and constant thui 
Ho paced, and lUtiLtercTl hfokcti words 
Till sonicllnn;^— what, lie did not say,— 
Arrested I'linlier nioveiiieiit and he stopped, 
A sudden, nervous slop. To wlioni or what 
He spak(^ it matters not, i)Lit this is what 
Ho said, his ri;^ht liand laid upon 
His bre;j<t: '-To say that I am weak, 
Unable lo rrstrain'this discontent 
Amon;^ tlie people, and by ri^^id law 
Enforced, [)r()tect myself a^rainst 
Prosp»;ctive harm, would falsi (V 
My hijrh prerooativo. To yield one point 
Of this attack, a sin<;le inch of i> round. 
To such unreasonabh'. men. would be 
T' acknowledge there is error otj juy part, 
And that is forci<in to my just (lesiVrns. 
If J surrender now one {urthin^j worth 
To their demand, iiow lon^' btifore 
Another, and anotht-r, on tlie same 
False principle 1 must yield? My ri^ht 
To their abj(M;t «d»edi<ui(e 1 claim ; 
'Tis undlsjMited l)y the nations of the earth ; 
And in tht! law of mortal num "tis writ 
That subje«!is sliall obey their kinti^s. 
*Tis my undoulded r'l^^ht to le<<islate 
My will, and unto that compel 
Obedience. To slacken now my hold 
Upon the law, relinquish what 
Is !e<;:illy my ri<;iit. and pander to 
The whims of this tumultuous throng. 
Would t»reatly weaken that most just respeet 
And reverence for kin^fs which their 
Peeuritv imperatively does require. 
Upon tlie power I possess to hold 
Men subject to my soverei<i:n will, 
My throlui its •greatest safety does attain; 
Its props and stays on that'foundation rest» 
And that alon<i. Each separate item 
Forminjr part thereof, as ties and beams (> 
In temples, is essential to the whole. /i. 

Destroy a .part, a ^xrcatin- strain's upon the rest; 
The whole is that mut.-h less prepared 
To bear the wei<;ht upon it placed. 
My Ki'^'iit prerogative is to command; 
4 



50 MYRIOKAMA. 

Their duty to obey. This commotion and 
Distrust arises eh felly from the whims 
Of disappointed ;i'^])irant% for fame 
And hi;;h renown." The inlluenec possessed, 
VVliate'er it be, upon the people by the chief 
Conspirators, if so far indeed "t lias {rone. 
Must be at onee destroyed, and nothing left 
Undone to nip the llower in its bud. 
Amon^- tlie j^ravest duties of a king it is 
To rid his suhjet-ts and himself of all 
The dire consequences of revolt 
By banisliment or execution of tlie Case 
Alarmists who (kdude them into sin, 
And tlius inoculate tlio body of tlie state 
With all the virus of their damning heresies. 
The leaders must be hemmed about 
By strong exacting power, and taught 
To feel the weight of rule by law enforced. 
Whatever of alYe<'tion may my subjects have 
For these disturbers of tl/e pence, I'll turn 
To bitter hate, and so destroy tiie bond 
That binds them to each other, if 
iSo be my fears are not ill-founded. 
This rising spirit of resistance to 
My just authority, as thus encouraged 
By such as from tlieir prudent training in 
My schools, much better things Td reason to 
Expect, must be at once, if not 
Abated by advice I sent them, to 
Their own destruction turned. A due 
Ifespect for all the high and noble purposes 
For which 1 reigii. compels me to deny 
The slightest of the claims they represent." 

"Disgrace upon my name if dangerous feud 
Within my realm arise and not directly and 
Completely quelled by strong restraint; 
And yielding to their least demand, admits 
My right to hold them in subjection 
To be at least of doubtful origin. 
Proceeding such as this would put the right 
Of Kings to rule according to their will 
At argument, and this cannot be done. 
'Twouhl soon deitroy the very base on which 
Tiicir just authority' is built; and men, 



MYKIOKAxMA. 51 

When not rii«iirt nl in their acts by certain rule 

And well digested law, would waste 

In riot, crime and quick decay. 

In heaven discontented spirits .soufuht 

To call in question right of God, the tj^rcat 

Eternal Kin.u', to rule and rci<jfn within 

His own dominions. They did teach 

Deluded followers how disaffection would 

Ensure success, and l>y the overthrow 

Of Him who rightly did demand of them 

Obedience, the light of freedom would extend 

Her brilliant rays, and each would be 

A Kin"- within his little selfish self. 

In early rout and terrible discomfiture, 

That foolish enterprise did end. 

In ruin hurled o'er battlements of heaveo. 

Fell they down to endless discontent 

And death to spend eternity in shame 

Deluded by the false, deceitful 

Garniture Ambitio]! wears, how so(»n 

In sorrow and humiliating pain. 

Unregulated passions often we(^p 

And pray the tnonntains to remove 

Them from their shame?" 

" My will 
Is iirm : no half-way measures to alla^v 
But for a moment longer growing pain, 
And then return to curse me; no, nor long 
Unmeaning messages for present use 
Made up, aiid held for naught whenever 
Changing state may make such holding weU 
Advised. No, no : Jcannotcompromi.se 
My name, and barter thus my liberty 
Away. I'll send a warning to them'now. 
Commanding their assent to all 1 choose 
To do, and in the meantime will surround 
Myself with true and trusted friends." 

Whether anything was left unsaid 

That he intended or did think, or whether 

Then had come the appointed time 

To cease, sure it was that when he spoke 

Of calling round him "trusted friends," 

A. scarlet girded spirit winged itself 

Near by, and rested at his iect. 



B2 MYlllORAMA. 

"What news? How blows the wind lielow 
In nothiT atniO-sphere? " iiiqu red the Kin^. 
To which the messenger replied : "My King, 
The dis(!oiitent is "leut. Contagion spreads 
From man to man. The body of tlie State 
Is terribly diseased. " 

''Do they rise? 
Do they threaten a revolt? Is my just 
Authority denied ? " 

"Unorganized they aro 
As yet, but like a slumbering tire 
Beneath tl»c mountain's crust, a spark 
At any moment may ignite it into life. " 

•' What do they demand ? '' 

''My business ia 
To make report of the condition, as it is; 
I know not wliat they want, nor asked 
What they ^vould have. " 

"Go hen oe, away, 
To my commanding captain, and inform 
Him of tile Llueatened break. Mis troops 
In proper disposition let him jflace, 
And then await my further will." 
The herald quickly took to wing, and through 
The distance lost himself to view. 

Then turning round in angry scorn, 
His breast hard striking with his nervous hand. 
In volleys loud and louder. Kingcraft poured 
His venom out in imprecations and 
Disgust. ''Contagion! Discontent! Diseasel 
A slumbering lire. — ah ! indeed ! Ha, ha! 
Great words are these to come from low 
Vile worms my kingly arm has never ceased 
To give protection to; most glorious return 
Is tills for all the tender mercies of my throne 
So lavishly bestowed in every time of need. 
This riot sliall be quelled. My power sliall 
Be felt in all this fevered land. 1*11 cool 
The slumbering fire, arrest contagion. 
And settle discontent. I'll cure the loul 
Disease which threatens death, and make 
My edicts heard, wherever wind of heaven 
Blows. Tliis infamous and base return 



MYRIOKAMA. 88 

Of evil lor the jrood received shall soon recoil 

Upon their fhistarii heads; and when 

The sober second thou.2:ht does (iome, they'll cui-«e 

Tiie fatal day wiien wilc^ and .-^n;n-«;s 

Of wicked leaders led thcni into wronj^. 

I'll crush the devilish ser|»ent out of them. 

And turn it back to stin^;' the iraitor h<!arts 

That wanned it into \\i\'. Til ^et my do^,< 

Of war wliere tl\ey may bay tiiese wretelies 

Into silence. " 

A moment here he paused 
To think, as it appeared, if he had l)een 
Or not betrayed into excitement and alarm, 
And whether his much boasted strength 
Was altoi^ether real. While tlius he paused. 
A periodic sound, in quick succession heard — 
Approaching;!^ nearer and still nearer 
As it was repeated, fell upon his ear. 
He looked and trembled as he pized. 
In brilliant plnma<»:e clothed, with win.2: 
Of steady, noble bearin<r, swiftly comiii<;^ on 
In bold descent down toward the ro(dc, 
Another spirit cleft the quiverinir air, 
And stood' before the astonished kinj?. 

•'What do'st thou here? " His kin,£?ship rudely said, 
♦'Why darken this secluded place with thy 
Unwelcome sluulow ? Hust thou news? 
Another tale of discontent :nid shnme? 
What thou hast to say. if au<iht. do quickly 
Saj% and leave me to "myself again." 

** By a solemn council of tlie people, held 
In just accordance with a ri^iht they think 
They have. I am accredited with message 
Unto your majesty himself. They badi^ 
Me say that there "is much ahum, lest what 
They love most dearly, and cherish warmest 
In their heai'ts. may be. by thy command 
Soon Avrested from them. They do claim 
That due respect for what of good 
They've had from thee, they've always shown; 
But while that proper reverence for thee 
Has often led them to espouse thy cause 
For tenn3orary safety and repose', 



M MVRIUUAMA. 

■Twa^ liOb because of any llxod intent 
T' abandon and di!-:oracoVnlly desert 
Their original design. 'Twa?i more for this; 
That when in ^veai<ne^^>; and in want 
Against most dreadful odds they labored 
With a steady iiand, 'twere mn^t, niiuisc 
To add to their misfortunes and distress 
Another ill. wliich by a proper patienct? 
They could avoid." 

"That spirit have ihey now. 
And think that this is pr<^p«n- time 
To represent tb.eir most respei-tful protect here 
Against wliat tht;y eoneeive to be 
Unnecessary evils. If in tliy esteem 
They are and shall l>e subJeeYs of thy realm. 
They humbly pray that tluui'It extend 
Thy laws in eqiud foi-ce to all 
Thy chosen peopk'. In toe house of great 
Debate, where law is made for them, " 
Interpreted and -lien enforeeil. they see 
No justice or ])ro})riety in tiieir exclusion. 
If wealthy do tiieir fclh)w subjects ai'ow 
From traiiic <»n a common sea,' 
'Tis great injustice tiu-y conceive, tliat they 
Should more tiian others lill th<', Iai)s 
Of such with ^old. And tlien. when quiet reigns, 
And no disturbance thieatened. or revolt, 
Or barbarous invasion comes. 
Their poverty, ihey humbly sliow. 
Excuses their request to bt> lelieved 
Of mercenary troops and n);iny ills ♦ 

Attending tiieir protra<-ti'd stay. 
I'm authorized, your majesty, to state. 
That what of ditlerence "now"' between 
The sons of Independence and yourself 
Obtains, may be rtMuoved. or mellowed dowH 
To evils bearal>le, by wliat they think 
A very simple process, and a jiist return 
For their renewed allegiance.*" 

"If thou'lt remove 
A tax or two w liich they believe unjust 
And not administt-red in that equal wav 
Which makes men feel that even though 
Oppressions, cruel, undeserved, upon 
Themrect, each bears no more thari thai 



MYRIOBAMA. 55 

Upon his neighbor; if thou wilt deii^n 

To hear their voice in thy i^ival parllMiuent, 

And read ihe pliii?) jx^iitions which they iscnd 

To thee; and if menacing troops, 

Unneeded liere, thou wilt remove, with useless spies 

That Iian^ around and prey upon 

The people's lihertic.-; ii ia r«'Sp(M;t. 

To what they elaim, rh<urit do Ihe.-e aet>, 

They pledjje tluunsclves to eounsel quiet and 

Eepose throughout the land, and promise true 

And faithful aid to all thy lawful rule. 

Having thus communicated all I had 

To say, if now your majesty will deign 

Accept my thanks for tiiis most proper 

Audience, by your gracious leave, to them 

That sent me I'll return. " 

Kingcraft heard 
Him with a look of utmost unconcern, and in 
A posture of reserve and kingly dignity. 
''Bear back with thee this word : " he said. 
*'My iron arm encircles all the land, 
And I'm prepared to v,ell enforce what I 
Exact; — most perfe(it and complete obedience.'* 
With modest -how. Ambassador moved back 
And gracefully withdrew. His work 
Completed now, and bearing thence with him 
The curt reply, he went tiie way he came. 

Alone, and in unsettled mood, the monarch 

Paced again his wonted round, but uttered 

Not a word. So deep and agitating were 

His meditations; so absorbed within himself, 

He had not heard the distant nuittering 

Of coming storm, nor seen the clouds which then 

Did hang in fearful blackness toward the west. 

Uprising slow, in massive volumes there 
Together rolled themselves the clouds. 
With lurid streaks of lightning flashing in 
Between, and deep, low rolling thunder. 
Uphigher rose the blackening pile 
Extending out its creeping, crawling folds, 
With here and there an upper edge 
In golden sunlight tinged a moment, then 
Behind another rising coil of cloud was hid. 



56 MYRIORAMA. 

The clreatlful mass at lenflfth began to move, 
Enlargin;^* wide towaicl every point of npaco, 
Up. down, to side, ourgrowing as it came 
With f^lill increasing blacknc-ss on. — 
The lightning phiyetl ami Hashed in streams, 
Sharp, quick and awful as they hhized 
Their lustrous sparkling darts athwart 
The blackened tVont, and sent their javelins through, 
While peal on peal of loudest thunder eanie 
And went amid the ghiro, and volilng through 
The hills, did shake the very mt»untaln's base. 
A little nearer iiow. the frcMul wind 
Came whispering through the trees. At first 
In solemn moan it eame, but soon increased 
Its vohnne and its force, until the great 
Oak trees and pines shrank back in terror 
From the eoniing storni. They bowed and swayed 
Their heavy lops from .-ide to side, to front 
And rear, like feathers in an evening ])ree/,e. 
It came in (iercer blasts and stronger still. 
No waving now, nor swaying to and fro: 
But there,' half-bent and "trem'.ding in 
The rushing stortn they stood, their tops 
Low reaehitig down, as ii:irder bhnv the wind, 
And cringed and creaked in terrible 
Resistance yielding, wlnle fast through 
Their straightening": branche»; swept the 
Frightened air, and bent their limbs togetlier. 
Then came the pelting rain, in large round drops 
At lirst—then whirling, dashing slieets 
Which splashed about in broken spray, 
-Or danced against the rocks, and then 
Tlirough little furrows tritrkled ofl"in fast 
Increasing streams upon the ground. 

Dark and threatening was that dreadful hour. 
The storm, no whit abating yet, in wild 
And awful riot blew. It rained and howled. 
And roared till half the day was gone, and then 
Its strenjfth began to waste, when softening down 
Its force by fast degrees it ceased, and cleared 
Itself away, while s(vund of rushing 
Torrents lumlding down the mountain sides. 
Bent out their roaring echoes through the vales. 
The suu looked out behind the parting clouds; 



MYRIORAMA. 57 

The trees, no longer riven by the .storm, reared up 
Their he:i(ls n,ii;;iiii and s?uijj: 'their wonted song;. 
A few stray «!roi>s still l'aliin<i: of the rain. 
Did lintj:er on ht'liind, throii;>h which 
The sparkling sunlight shone in rays 
That eye miiiiit see, when th' seven colored f-pan — 
The beant«.-oiis bow of lieuven, raised itself 
Across tiie quiet hills. 

From out the distant 
Blue, and through heiK^ath I hat lovely arch, 
With rapid speed sv^eft Mercy came, 
And knelt at Kingcraft's feet. 

- Most noble monarch, "■ 
She began; " T piMy thee hear my i)laii)l. 
Thou hast it in thy po^ver to prevent 
A storm of deatli. Heboid that spanning arch, 
That golden bow of promise, bright 
Harbinger or offered peace; and pledge me, if 
Thou canst, to make no war u)H)n 
Tlie sons of Independi'uce. The word which tliou 
By the Ambassatlor did'st sen«l to tlxTU, 
They've heard. No hope, as they believe, 
Of reconciliation left, they have 
Determined to rebel, and free themselves 
From thv restraint. But still, 'tis not 
Too late. If thou wilt niake nu; bearer of 
The welcome news that thou'lt relieve 
Them of the bimlejis which they bear, or think 
They do. and yield in some, though small 
Degree, to what they ask. that blood may vet 
Be stayed, I'll pledge myself that they'll 
Desist from further disaJiection. 1'hink 
Oh I Monarch, think, what dreadful, horrid thin^ 
Is war, and spare the land this scourge.'' 

She waited for re]dy. " Leave n»e instantly " 
He .said. "Thy sofl appealing words and looks 
ITnnerve me. Leav lu" now, that of myself 
My counsel may I take." 

*'No word of hope 
To send ? " nhc as'ved. " No ! " he answered 
With a frownij g sneer, and that very 
Moment did tlu^ i-ainbow disaofjear. 
In tearful none w. Mercy then retired, 
Just as the scailet-ginlcl mesi^cuger 



r»« MYRIORAMA. 

Again appeanul. '' 

"Airs Will, "said ho, 
" The forts an' manned, and every point 
Well £;nanled.-' 

Then answered thus the Kin^j: 
"Go, wateh the movements of tiie malcontents: 
There's ti'oiible bi-ewing now I fear. 
Have my legions rea«ly for my call ; 
And bring report as seems thee well. 
Be quick and cautions as you go." 
And bounding up lik»^ startled roe. 
The messenger departed hence. 

A noble .Minister of State. — no firmer fiiend 
Of Kingcraft lived than he,— came slowly near 
His kingship now and thus addressed him ; 

*'Most august sovereign, thou in whose service 

r am proud to live; for whose advan<rement 

And success it is my pleasure to exert 

My every eflbi-t. TIk; honor of my King 

And all his subject people is m}' warm 

Desire and most resolute ambition. 

Upon thy fair es<;utcheon now for me 

To bring disgrace would be my lasting shame ; 

And naught, believe me. noble King, but what 

Upbuilds the interest and the gloiy of 

My state, is my concern." 

'•• I've somewhat now 
To say to thee of matters which, as I conceive, 
Have much of moment in th«Mn ; and what 
In deepest friendship thus is said, I pray 
Thee hear and such attention give, as meets 
Thy better judgment of the course of right. 
I greatly fear that on the verge of the 
Immediate future hangs a di-cadful war 
Which, in its terminal ion, may aHect. 
In greater or in less degree, your majesty'H 
Fair name and just success in time. 
If now, by honorable means and fair, 
The which in no event can cast reproach 
On thee, thou may'st be instruuK^ntal to 
Avoid, for all inankind as well as thee 
And those who owe thee their allegiance, all 
Its carnages spoil and horrid hitvoc, 



MYEIORAMA. 50 

The reason of the case, jio I»''>s uietlnnks. 
Than voice of (^od. -nvl honor of thy namo, 
Requires that the wonl <i.o forth at oiiee. 
And let the j^'atheriniv storm call in 
Its growina: wrath .i:\cl spend itself 
On unresi.sti?!,<>- air. " 

" Thus, then. I put 
The proposition unto thee: If heated war 
Approach by certain siirus, and all its dread 
Calamities cun he prev<Mited. and no just 
Reproach attach to Iiim who tliriists 
The intervening? hand,~if war is harsli. 
Disjjustino-, and most <'rue]. tlion, 'tis not 
Improper, hut most surely ri^^ht. to speak 
The charmin.ii; word and stay its tide. 
In ppeeial and supreme de.uree is this 
The case, when he >> ho wiilino:ly confers " 
Ureat blessiniis on his kind by timely 
Intervention for their liood, combines 
"With Ills philanthropijy a solid, lastin<j: JJ:aia 
Unto himself in temporal estate. " 

" Amon«? these hills and vales of jjrreat 

Fertility, where, in the early time, 

Their fathers came in honest fjiith, to build 

Tliem homes for future comfort and report.*. 

Where nature in her silent beauty reijined 

Supreme, a hardy race of men has ;»rown; 

And in their hearts deep down implanted, lies 

An overmastering" love of liberty. 

So strono; with them this ardent'love. 

It seems almost an instisict given them 

Of God for everlastin«i- use and help. 

Between this people's prosj)ect and 

Your majesty's desi«!:ns, for many lon*^ 

And dismal j'ears to them, has lain 

Almost in sleep, a latent, deep, untold 

Diver«renee of resultinir end. By right. 

Of law as known to mortal men below, — 

Discovery and conquest. — thou hast 

Never ceased to claim tiie land as thine. 

But long before thy arm was thrown around 

Them in the form of government protection, 

They advanced upon the bold design; they braved 

The ocean's tide; they faced t-ie dangers of 



^ JIYEIOllAMA. 

A route of grcntopt peril and fatigue; 
And this tliey did by voluntary act. 
Twas not at thy command tin;}- sailed 
And settled in this land. Xo order from 
The throne unto the which obedience 
Did bring tliem liere, but truly the 
Reverse. They came without"^ and oftentimes 
Against thy piiljlished will. So far 
Thrown oil" from thy immediate reign — 
An ocean 'twixt you intervening wide — 
Upon their own resources tlirown, and cast 
Upon tiie waters of uncertain life to shift 
As best, in God's own juovidence, they could, 
A restless spirit, which not well docs brook 
Restraint, has grown up like a native plant 
Indigenous within the soil. The trainiu"' of 
The just and equal laws whicJi hold within 
Thy realm has not extended always 
Unto them. Tiie land whicli they inhabit 
And thou clalm"st, no physicrd connection has 
With thy dominions proper; 'tis j-ather an 
Appendage hung upon tlie outskirts 
Of the imj)erial state, like couK't 
Having no appointed sphere in space 
Where heaven's orderly arrangement rules. '* 

"The beginning of this people dates 

Amid the troubles ot our own domain. 

When war and great commotion i-aged 

Throughout tlv unconqucred world. 

8uch origin no other people ever had. 

They asked to sever their allegiance then 

To all the eastern world, and that 

They thouo^ht they'd done. But questions such 

As this are settled 'twixt contending foes 

According to the stronger arm, without 

The voice of reason taking any part therein 

As necessary consequence; and stronger thine, 

Their weaker arm has given way in part. " 

"Their weak and feeble start in life did leave 
Them prey to stronger power, and when 
That power, by a seeming good, vouchsafed 
To them its strong protecting arm, a just 
Return would indicate respectful treatment. 



MYRIORAMA. 61 

And so with tliem and tlice. Thouf^h thou 

Hast ever called the land thy own, and too 

As well the pt30j)le there, and jravc them laws 

And jjfovernor.s. thy rUiht in this, to them 

Important matter, they did never reeo^nize, 

And now deny. Of tliy fast encroachin<r 

Power tliey seriously complain. Unequal laws 

Burn sears within their freedom lovinj? hearts. 

And spies, and troops of war upon 

Them quartered, and without consent 

Of those concerned, they deem a previous wrong. 

Ambassadors, with prayers to thee 

Respectful have they sent, petitioning 

Redress for this and other causes of 

Misgivino- and alarm. Their manly prayers 

Are clearly written out in language chaste 

And pure, and mortal never read 

Petitions abler— than were these. 

The learning of the nations, my chiefest 

Thought has been, and nowhere in the realm 

Of moving mind are nobler themes, 

And better stated, than in these 

Petitions from America." 

"Their 
Remonstrance hast thou heard without 
Redress. Of this do they complain. Their oft 
Repeated message to thee sent, and as oft 
Repeated failure of success, has given cause, — 
(If just or not is other matter for debate — ) 
For great alarm an<l grevious discontent. 
Their last appaal unto your majesty 
To them has been returned witii strong 
Peremptory comm md for most complete 
Obedience.' To this demand, so often made 
By thee.— as oft by them deplored, I fear they may 
Not alwavs tamelV yield sul)mission. 
And further do I fear, that if a struggle come, 
As corns it will, unless by thee 'tis stayed 
By yielding up the point disputed long. 
Thy power great 1 know it is— may prove— 
(With great respect 1 say the word—) 
Unequal to the thing in hand. They may 
Compel thee then, with all thy strength 
Of name, to yield whar they demand and more* 
They now make ready for resistance to 



62 MYEIOilAMA, 

rerpetnaliorj of tliy reign as kin«i^. 

With tlutifiil obedience, 1 do 

Most earnestly declare as my belief, 

Their lipirit is so brave, their hope so strong. 

Their delerminalion not to yield 

To further rule so univer.uiliy is spread throughout 

The whole uprising? mass, that they, 

In ultimate result, will stand upon 

The iield as conquerer, and by the future 

Judgment of mankind acquitted of 

A wrong. " 

"Most gracious sovereign, so well 
Thou knowest, 1 need not here lepeut 
Th» great expense ineiirred to build 
A lasting fabric out of brittle and 
Resisting parts, does greatly overrun 
The value of the thing complete. 
Compulsory obedience at best 
Not always is the wi.^est, nor in return 
Prolific otherwise than in its greater loss. 
These people, independent in their thoughts. 
And fertile in resounun-;. — far removed 
From where thou really reiguest king. 
Will surely war upon the(^ if thou force 
Them to the wall. The end of such a war, 
No good to man at large would yield. 
But loss of much that miglit be left of worth 
To all; and also much be left. I fear 
For thee to wish were otherwise. " 

" If, then, 
So little good, but greater harm must needy 
Result from war, 'twere wise, methinks. 
It were avoided. If in thy great wisdom 
It wore lit to grant to them their will 
Without conipulsion, it would come 
As gracious gift, and not as forced 
Bequest. 'Tw^ere better thus, that what 
Thou wilt, if anything, conclude to yield 
To their desire, should to them appear to grow 
From magisterial clemency. — a choice, 
A great gratuity sprung out of love 
And due regard for good and future weal 
Of subjects from the rrown, much rather Ihaa 
That after long refusal of the grant. 
Resort to war compels a greater sacrlilcb 



MYItlORAMA. «X 

When streams of blood have flowed. 
This much tliou still hast left thee then. 
Without resort to arms. This much 
Can well be done, if done in time, without 
Dishonor or expense. If lon^i^ deferred 
A greater ill may come unto th}' self.." 

♦' If now I've slTovvn thee that t'were well 
To g:rant a little liberty to discontented men 
Which would befit thee well, as thou 
Art noble, strong and f?reat, and the}^ 
A people good, industrious and brave, 
Without a tittle or a jot of what belongs 
To kings in honor to themselves 
E'er being lost; that war may come if this 
Thou dost not do, and all its wretchedness 
Thou mayest thus prevent, and so confer 
A lasting good on them and all mankind. 
The work I undertook is ended. At 
The risk ot thy displeasure have I spoke 
What best it seemeth me for good of all. 
And more especially the good of my 
Most gracious king. What I have said 
I pray thee pouder well; my earnest 
Argument, so feebly stated, justly weigh, 
And what to thee does seem 'the best, that do. ** 

The minister received the value of 

His argument in estimation of his king. 

In these emphatic words : 

''If thou dost take 
The part of traitors, and with all the power 
Of thy gifted mind, do show and press 
Their wants on my attention, deserting thus 
That high position in my heart which thou hast 
Ever held, for their attractive company, 
Then let the penalty of treason tall upon 
Thy head along with them thy friends, 
ril have obedience, and only that." 
**Most gracious king," t!ie Minister began; 
But not a word would Kingcraft hear. 
All further audience refused, that he 
Might he ir report of Messenger returned, 
In sad discoraiiture his faithful 
Minister was forced away. 



MYRIOKAMA. 64 

With look of great alarm o'er?pread 
'Hisj uervosi-5 fai-e tiie Messeii>jor brgnn : 
''The whole huid l^urns as with a living firo. 
The secret uioimtuin caves are used 
As arsiiorios an(i iiiau:».zi!ies for the 
Citizen soldiery. Already biood has flowed; 
They won't siihnii^ At Lexington 
And Bunker liilh like unchained devils fought 
The wicked wretches. The fields, and woods, 
And byways lined like Egypt witii her 
J?warming- locusts. Without organic rule 
Or discipline, tliey fight upon a bold 
And native plan>— each for hiniselt. Just where 
To strike them with eflect, is puzzling sore 
Your noble captain's brains. If wheeled 
In line of battle for a gallant charge 
Your faithful troops change front, when least 
Expected and from strangest ph\ce. like storms 
Of blowing iuiil. their leaden rain they pour 
In Oiilllading streams upon th' astonished 
Troops. An(i when on march fr<mi place to place, 
In unsuspecting line, like tliunder from 
A cloudless sky. comes pouring in upon 
Them volley after volley from all sorts of guns. 
Like Fompey's legions, at a tramp sprung up, 
They're everywhere. Their madness is 
Contagious. " All are fired by a kindred hate 
Of all your majesty's designs. The rich 
And poor alike; and sex no barrier is. 
Fair hands of maiden girls, of wives 
And mothers ply tije needle at the lamp 
To tit the men for war. The very hoys 
Do talk of tyranny and revolution. 
By some unusual means, the spirit spreads, 
And all the land is rising. The very air 
Seems freighted with the smell of ja ar. 
Bold Putnam in the furrow left his plow, 
Nor took farewell of wife or child, to join 
His comrades on the field of blood; and from 
The mountains, in his peasant garb, 
Stalks Allen forth as lion from his sleepy 
Lair, and rushing straight, wixh hundreds two 
Or three, upon Ticoncleroga. does demand 
The place in name of Great Jehovah and 
The Continetal Congress. And thus, 



Froia b.'ui to worse hourly it grows/' 

"Do iny officers and troops stand firm ? " 
Asked Kingeraft. "Are tiiere si<»ns of breaking 
In tiH^ir ranks ? what ol' tiiis ? " 

" With few 
Exceptions such is true. The traitor 
Franklin whom tiiou had'st deputed 
To exchange the mails, has been displaced, 
And he has joined the people." 

What more 
Ho would have said does not apjiear. But wh«a 
He spoke the name of Franklin, Kingcraft 
Started back, and raising both his hands 
In great astonishment, while wildly 
J^taring toward tlje east, he bade the Messenger 
Be still. In breathless silence stared 
The two -with eager listening ear, as softly througii 
The trembling air came wave on wave 
Of oft repeated ringing sound : again, 
And still again, they came in quick 
Succession growing fast, till sjjreadiiig far 
And near o'er all the land, tlie inspiration 
Gaugiit at every point, the verj- air. 
Like storm-tossed sea, was jarred and lashed 
Into unnumbered rollinij:, circling waves 
By peal on peal from a thousand ringing bells, 
And fervent shouts from a frenzied throng 
Of people singing Independence Day. 

Above, and louder than the ring or shout, 
A voice like that which thundered forth 
From Sinai when Moses read the law, 
Was heard, and to its unmistaken tones 
The trembling King gave open, though 
Reluctant ear. And thus the voice proclaimed : 

*"Tis proper when a people would absolve 
T lemselves from all allegianee t > their king, 
The causes should be named wiiich liave 
Impelled them to the separation. These truths 
To be self-evident we hold, tiiat equal are 
All men created. — by their Creator are endowed 
With certain rights "inalienable, 'mong 
The which are liberty and life, and the 
5 



R? M Yin GUAM A. 

Pursuit of liappine^J.^. ITo froiu whom we nowr 
Absolve ourselves, has iloiie us ijivvious wrongs. 
Affaiust our well-known will lie makes 
Obnoxious anil une({ual laws; a*r:iinst 
Our solemn autl respeetful protest, lays 
Upon us nu>sr oppressive bunlens: dissolves 
Appointed boards wheivhy our very hearths 
Lie open and exi)Oseil to ail the danV^'rs of 
Invasitui or intestine leiul : as answer to 
Our prayers in eurses eomes his spleen : 
He make>i his will the law of tenure and of pay ; 
Defeated has he jnstiee, and prevented riuiit; 
Compelled by foree the ciuanerin^ii" of his liired 
Troops; destroyet! our lawful traile; the tide 
Of population lias he stayed; exeiied 
Insurrei'tiou ; attempted savaii"e massaere. 
And foreed us ott to liuht a.uainst our?elves. 
A prinee with eharaeter thus uuirked 
By every aet whieh may define a tyrant. 
Is' rider mosi uutit of any people tree; 
And henee. we hold ids Aiojeets friends 
In. pi-aee. and iMiemies in war. the same 
As all the rest (^f men. lleneeforwaini. :\s 
Of riiiht we ouuht to be. ^o now do we 
Oeelare upon our saered honor, we 
Are free — forever free. " 

The rin.sriniA" and 
The voice had ceased. I'pon his facH- 
In very raiio did Kiuireratt tall. 
And darkness seen\ed lo shut his vision out. 
Like ISaul, his blindness came because of siu; 
But unlike him. the ballled monarch did 
Not pray for knowled,ue what to do. 
In terrible ama/ement lay the friiihtened King^ 
Until returuin.<;' reason eanu> a.uain. 
When risinii' to his feet, he bade his friend. 
The trusted Messen^ircr, "depart again 
And boldly prosecute the war." 

Lie watched the shadow of his parlinix friend. 
As in the distance it ^rew fainter by 
Detcrecs. — then claspino- liiiht his hanvls 
Beiore him. with an earnest look upon 
The blue above him and the depth beyond. 
His lips lYoni souie emotion slightly pressed, 



JVlYlilOUAMA. 67 

Slow risinf^' in the air he went iiwa\ . 

And now low, liollow rnnil)linu' «oiuid> 

Came slowly llirouiih the nuuintnin ^lens. 

And smiiin^ir valleys echoed haek the roar. 

Quick l)ins:s of sinoke in min.siled Miic 

And white in rapid cnrlinu wreathed 

Up darted toward the lowerinu- sky. 

As from the month of belehinii' eaiinon poured 

The sulphury Masts, then lost^themselves 

In air. Sharp ratUiiiii- notes Irom muskets liorne 

In hands of fre<'men rnshinu- to the tii,dit. 

Came daneinii" on the breeze; and shoiif>. 

And prayers, and curses loud trom men 

By passion frenzied, ran alotiir the hills. 

The plaintive moan of wounded soldier a^ 

He lay upon the hlooiiy fiekl uidior.-ed. 

And piteously prayin<i- liel[> tVom hand 

Of heartless foe, while o'er hi< lu-okm limbs, 

Forgetful of his pain, the battlin,!:- 

Squadrons ran. hun«i: d(.»lefully in air: 

And deep into the heart with'solemn force. 

The v\idow's wail, and orphan's cry did sink. 

A stron>>'. unnamed sensation, as 

Of unseen dauii'in- pendin^i" near with no 

Defense auainst the throateneii liurt to ur^**. 

Fast settled in the soul, in every nerve 

Vibratinii". As to ear of seaman w reeked 

Comes music from an unseen Island near. 

Inspiring" in his sinkin«i' heart a hope 

That even though surronndiny; death 

Fast closes in upon him now, in time 

A better day may come and some bright 

Angel save him yet,— so came these note-. 

Of warning to the hearts of pilgrims' 

Brave and hopeful sons. 

Ah. yes! The times 
l"hat tried men's souls were coming fast 
Upon til' excited throng, and every breeze 
That played aeross the startled land, with some 
New pain or hope was heavy freighted. 
The blii/e ot war swept wildly through 
New Kngiand's hills, upliuhting 
Every o-'k-n, and leaving in its fearful wakr 
The smoke of burning towns, and streara.-. 



6S MYRIOllAMA. 

Of scal(lin<? tears:. Yes war, di'vonring war. 
Had really" bi\uiu I. 

The sons; of freedom held 
A solemn fasr, and ollVrod iij) to Uiju 
Within whose luiiids tlie desiinle.'^ of men 
Ami nations lie, their lmm!)le prayers; 
lVtilionin;j: the throne of the Eternal fving 
To nerve their arm>, sustain tiieir hearts, 
Their eanse espouse and m:\ke it liis ; 
To uuitle the!n with unerrinir iiand 
Throuirh all tiie troutile of the eomin<r years; 
To lead them safely throii;>ii the storm, 
And teach them how to ^hiin its swifr. 
.Devouring- vortex. V»'irh earnest, fervent hearts 
They in-a\ ed the Omnipotent Head 
For stren)i,th to hold them up; for f^raee 
To keep them pure: for hand divine 
Itineath their youthful State to rest 
And hear it safely up througii all the i*oar 
And earnaire of the war: for love to spare 
To them humiliation (>f defeat, and worse 
Than death its ^^ure resultinii- ills. 
Did ever Christian pray with ji'reater zeal, 
More earnest and devot'Ml heart. 
Than in the midst of their atllietions 
Did these undaunted |>atriots seud 
Their pure appeal-^, with love of right 
Bedewed, to Uod their Father, Friend? 

The listeninir angels heard them pray, and 

Catehing up their fervent supplieations, bore 

Them on to i.'.0(\ \u clouds of light. 

Keturning from their blessed mission there; 

As toward the earth descending eame 

With iovful wing th' angen<' l)and, 

Upoirtlie garment Liberty had worn 

When tirst we saw her in "the morning eloud, 

In seven separate streams across the white 

Tliey poured the blood which pitying angels soooped 

"Whih^ fresli and warm iVom his pantiui" heart it tlowed 

Of freemen s »ed lii tirst encounter with his king. 

These stripes of red ami w hite, thirteen in all, 

Unto a held of bhie cut out from heaven'ij air, 

Did they attach, wherein they set 



MYRIORAMA. C9 

A /galaxy of bri:2:ht and sliininir stars 

In number same as \v*M-e tlu; stripes. 

To shait of u'litterinii" >P'^ar. this tlag- 

Was iiunt?; jvih] in (he taioiis riiiliLly ••lasju-d 

Of bold majestic ea.i>lo irom tlu; mountain cliff 

"With shield of bristliii^ij: arrows plumed. 

They plaeed the snear. and hade the noble bird 

Convey it to the earth and b't the i)i'ople sre it. 

Then down fri)m liis lotty hi^hc with swooping wing, 

The eagle eanie. and over mountain, tield. 

And valley sailed he with his saered flag. 

T!ic noble sons of freedom, while they looked 
Upon the brilliant symbol as it passed, 
Caught up its inspiration, and in one 
Uplit'aval from tlieir bounding hearts 
Of universal hope, they haiieii with joy 
And inexpressible delight — with songs 
Of praise, wiih prayer, and every other form 
Of soul out-prturlng from its inmost depths, 
The Star Spangled Banner, 

Each lieart inhaled 
The stirring air in which the quiek 
Contagion spread ; and from the lield. 
The worksliop, and the beneii; from counter, desk, 
And forge,— fiom every place where work 
Was done l\v brain or iiand, came forth 
In endless streams determined men 
And brave. Fair hands, in many a dreary night. 
When •• husband's darling " round her lay. 
Of loving wife, or other, vounger. fairer still, 
Whose dreams of distant lover's good 
Kept fresh witliin her virgin heart the hope 
Of coming joy, did ply themselves 
Uneevslniily and tast to make 
The deadly cartridge, or prepare 
The soldier's uniform. Xo liand but had 
Its work to do. and noblv did it. Sacritiee 
And toil, are feeble words to tell of what 
They did and still were wont to do, in aid 
Of them their husbands, brt)tliers. sons. 
And fathers in tlje lights— those noble daughters 
Of the Revolution. 

Worthy women thev ; 
Bright and shining jewels in the darkness 



70 MYLMOKAMA. 

Of tluit ilri;i>hu! i\nu\ Nvho.>o I'lunM'inii" li^xhr 
M;ulo irhul tho wny tho woary soKliiM' wmt. 
No praise loo ^rcai lor tlioni ; no euK>uy 
(^an oviM- wUh suHu'iiMil trnrh portray 
The pricolos*! worth ot' tlu-ir ilovotion ami 
Self-sacrilUinii' work, wlion h( arts 
Of storner <rnlV nuuh' it|> would miail. 
May jirooii ami tVosh within »un luari^ 
hi ovorlasiiiiii- traiirain-f \\\o 
The memory ol' their virlius. ami Ihrir nanios 
In eliaraeters of liulit inetVahlo \\]}on 
MTho soul of every treem;iM lie eDuravoi). 
Kt^rovtM- tluM-e to rest. 

Wiih iiohh' 
Washiiiuion to h>ail. the sojis o\' lml(>i><-ii.li'ii.t' 
Now w ore musti'ml t'or ilio ti*iht : ami «>ik 
Ami fa-^ter on. he led his armies to tho Iroin. 
Iten«'alh Iho >tars and <tri])es they mart-hevl 
And et>tintermareluHl, and prayeil and fiHiuht. 
No I'vil loared the faithful l):nid whilo V'roedom'.^ 
Ikmner tloated (^'or their heads, and on 
The soil of l.il>erly they trod. In (iod. and in 
Tho ri^ht. thoir trn^tinii* hearts wero llxid: 
And what of ovil miuhi hotide them on 
The way. or danuer inl«MV<>ne, 'twt»uhl only 
Purify their faith and make it stronger still. 
NVilh Justiee (>n Iht'ir ^idc. and >tronjA" 
\])provinu," ot>n-^rioni(^ in their w ork. 
They etiiered h«ddly in the line of war. 
On many a hard fomiln li«'hl they mot 
The trained and veietan troops o\' Kin^n»'ralY'< line. 
C-ontestinir ineh hy inch «'a<h fool oi' earlli 
O'er whii'h tluy fonnht : their eomrades slain, 
On every hand lay >oatlerin,ir o'er tho Held 
Made >a'ered I>y tho hhn>d thoy spillod. 
The ]»lain of oarnaue spread o'er all the hmd 
Krom Massai'hn<etts' ]>ilN to Carolina 
Ami the North, and every hill-tt>p was 
A parapet iVonj whiidi in splendor w.avetl 
The hlootly hatmers of t-ontemlinir arnues. 
Oft mitmlinii' thronirh the horrid din 
Of raiiinu- battle i^ame the savaue yol! 
From Indian ihrivit; his sv'alpinu' knife. 
And I'aithiul toujahawk. with dripping- t^lovxl 
In barharoiis ven^oanee held he up 



MVUIOKAMA. 71 

To view. :iTitl fonrful was iho deht 
He made liis; victims nr>y. The *lire 
Havoo ot relcn!le>«^ w.n"\ wirh nil 
Its wrervlRHlne-'S ami paii». wUliout 
A ray ot" nnli.::i iliiiiX wanmh. now s\ve[>! 
Across iho land. Irs desolation and 
Its wasie appeared a< armies passed. 
And what was left within their wake 
Untoutthed. the torch ot' savai;e burneil. 

For seven lon.sr and bloody years. 

Made nienjoralile in the hearts of men 

For many a trntlst'iil rea--on. war. as man 

Had never waped. de^troyed the land. 

The wave ot battle swayed with varyini? 

Success tVoni year to year, to tVont, to rear; 

Now oju\ then other iaiiieil and lost, — 

The contest nnileciiled. — neither army 

Yielding. But in tise latter halt' ot' tho>e 

Immortal years, the hosts ot' Kiniicratt 

BciTtin to hesitate and falter in the tield. 

This nerved the liearts of Freedom's sons. 

And strenirihened well their arms. 

New eouraire thns int'u<ed into their veins, 

New tire ran alon.si" their patient lines: 

Enthusiasm stimulated all their hearts; 

The «rallanr captains houted the convaiami 

For tlnal, desperate attack: and with 

Their ponderous wei^^ht they fell once more 

Upon the yielding lines of roval troops. 

The battle riercelV raided, but' Liberty 

Prevailed. The lon.s: rt'd lines of Kin«ierati*- men 

Did waver, stajr^er back, and tinally 

Did break in wild confusion from the lield. 

And lett the victors masters there. 

CornwalHs unfunded low his arms, and bowed 

His royal liead lu'ne^uh the banner of 

His victor chief; while Washin^rton. the <rood. 

The brave, the noble man, revered 

in every freeman's heart, stood master of 

The land. Brave T.a Payette. Rochambcau too. 

And Kosciuski let't their names en.irraven deep 

In every freedom lovina: heart wheiwer man 

Was counsollin*? with God and I.ibertv. 



72 MVUIOKAMA. 

The kin-Iv rule was broke. Tlio Juini1)le [^vs.y^ir 

Of honesty could now be heaiHl, Jim! conns 

Of kin.Li's and queens flew open to 

Our. lays, our Franklins. Adamses 

And JetVersons. The voiee of freemen now 

Was that of men and peers. The v^orld 

Had moved a step ahead ; Am.'r:.;i \v;i> fre--. 

TwQvo nsele^^ now t«> udl of all 

The varied suiVifrin.u- of Miat eventtul time, 

Or count the wronu'^ inirnted. in (iod".-. 

Groat book iibme they're writtiui out 

In full, and there they'll b<> revealed 

At proper time to shame ihe enemies 

Of peaee and virtuous repose. 

To speak of all the vtdliant sous o\' war 

Who. in tlie Kevolmion carved their names 

With bloodv swords in everlastinjr fame; 

Ot Gates. Monttvomerv. and IJreen, with Marion, 

And rutnani. W olfe, and all their brave 

Compeers; to reiiister the name of every one 

That made itself immortal th.eu. would be 

To write each man and woman's name 

Within our blessed land who then esj>onsed 

The cause of Freedon^ when the clouds of war 

Were lowerin.ti' thick anumd them, tor none 

Superior had. exce])r to .uive tommand. 

Each did his part and much he had to do. 

The price tlu'V paid wa- <ircat. but llIuM-ty 

Was wiuth tlie cost. They t\)u,iiht a< never man 

Had fouiiht beiore. In storm and rain. 

No less than in the noontide sun. tluur chosen work 

Thev did; and whether on tlie fro/.»'n Delaware, 

Alm'ost in nakedness, they crossed to further shore, 

Or on the mountains of Viruiuia left 

The blood I'v^nn out their shoeless tVet 

On many a pointed rock, or mid the sliocking 

Carnase of the sava.ue slauuhter house 

They sacrificed their honest lives, it mattered not 

To them. One sacred duty must: each one 

Perform, and that he did because he loved 

His land. A noble band were they : Brave, .s;ood 

And true. Tn peace eternal rest their 

Sacred hones. When in the dreamland there 

Does Jesu3 call his chosen flocks to^'ether, 



MYRIORAMA. 73 



Jlmonof His cherished himbs will rise 
And answer to the call e:ieh member of 
That faithful army. 



MYllliOKAMA. 



CHAPTER IV. 

111-31 ARKS. 

The formation and adoption of the Constitution of l'«8T. The 
Hamiltonian, and Jcffersonian.— or the Federal, and Demo- 
cratic ideas of government, leaving the question of the right 
of Seccs^sion open. The public feeling at that time on the 
subject of slavery. It is intended here to show hoAV these 
fwo questions weVc left in such condition as afterwards to be 
the subject of a war. The Union, and the departments of 
Government— Legislative. Executive au'l -ludicinl. The pledge 
of the people to ■•protect and 'iciend " (iiv Inion and Con- 
stitution. 

"All hail, brave partners of iny toil I 

Ye kindred spirits of the deep 

Illimitable sea of mind wherein 

The eagerness of hope has noised itself 

To life, to this most sacred council welcome ye. 

As in tlie time of trial and of war, ye shared 

With me my pains and bitter disappointments, 

So now, when Freedom reiijns. and smiles 

Of peace with pleasant prospect come. 

And happier times do beckon, enter ye. 

As ever have ye done, into my joys 

And pleasantness of life. 

'•And ye, 
Fair watchers at the conch of Freedom's child. 
Sweet an«iels of my stormy life, 
Whose gentle care "has pnrilied 
My sorrows all and blessed tliem to m\' good; 
Whose guardian watchfulness about 
My noble sons Avhen wasting storms 
Beset tliem on tlieir way, has kei)t 
Them safe above tlie wreck ; thrice welcome ye. 

'• Amid tlie shadows of these blood-stained trees 
Made hallowed by tlie memory of the dead 
Whose ashes rest beneatli their shade. 



MYRiOiiAMA. 76 

Wlijle SiK-qt!(r];:ii]na rolls her lucid iUh' 
In rippliD^j; niurmuri^ at their iaoL 
We conic to look upon our labors done. 
And for tlic l)irth and futTne ot our 
youtlifiil State provide, " 

Thus did Independence greet 
His fjrcid <-onip(M'rs. They, in turn, with .great 
Delight con5;-ratulated eacii the other's joy. 
So long a time since (;arly nieetino- held 
Had passed,— all marked" it was by bloody 
Indices that pointed them to death. 
But yet, oh. happy termination ! all 
Was turned to ))e{terf:ne; and now. 
Though storms had rudely torn their hearts 
And closed their pathway up. again, and free 
As air of heaven, here they meet, in happy 
Council meet. Much cause had they for joy. 

Other spirits now were tiere tlian those 

We knew before. Two noble sons 

Of Independence ^at beside their sire. 

Fair pictures of paternal mould. 

The elder, LaredeC of stern and steady look, 

Seemed thoughtful and sedate. Tlie other, 

Tarcomed. with tace of liberal mould 

And watchfu.l eye of peerless lust)-e, 

A child of Kingcraft, too, was there 

Whose strong appeals of peace unto 

His sire mad(i when war with Independenc<» 

Raged ijad brought paiernal retrilnition on 

His head, and having lost the guardianship 

Of him wlio~e cause lie v.oiihrhave served 

By reason of his secret love of quiet and 

Repose.— thrown out adi-ifc from the 

Ancestral home — must now needs come 

To these as friends wliom tie so unsuccessfulh'- 

Had served by plying all his energies 

Where h-ast they h;id oAYv.vu and, too. 

With him tlieir direst enetay. Somewhat 

Uneasy with his new companions, yet 

With visage pleasant and serene, as one 

Of having done his duty conscious. 

Did Compromise in council sit. 

With look of (.'agcr, crafty cunning, 



76 MyiUORAMA. 

Overshadowing^ (3veiy feature of liis face. 

Keen, restless eye and well tiinimed beard, 

And in a golden cloak, sat Capital. 

Two sons of Labor, too. were\liere,'of origin 

The same and destiny as well, yet, as 

Before we've said, betwixt the two 

Aline did rnn dividing' white fiom black. 

And these two spirits represented both. 

Each wore a weary look, but Blanco's face 

Was satisfied and calni, while that 

Of Negros was of doleful caste 

And shining black. Tjpon his head 

A turban wore; a band upon his w-rist; 

And on his wrinkled forehead deep 

Was burned his common title. — " Slave. " 

The cord dissevered now which Ijound 
Them once together. Kingo-att was nor there- 
with this exception and addilious named, 
The council was conii)osed of tho?c we knviw 
Before with sinul;ir arrangement. 

Congratulations ended, now rcsuu)ed 
The intrepid warrior w ho welcomed here 
His coadjutors. 

"Through liel(!s of blood 
I've led our noble armies on to victory. 
We've driven Kingcraft fj-om the tield 
And scattered all iiis troops of war. 
The land is free, blessed b(5 the name of llim 
Who held us up when all lieside had failed. 
Each spirit hei-e save three has done 
His part, and done it well, to bring about 
This happy consun)mation. The voice 
Of Wisdom in tlie cloud we ne'er forgot. 
And good results have couk; from frequent 
Counsel. But though the child were born, 
'Twere 3'oung. not aide scarce to walk alone; 
Too weak to bear the weight of years 
Fast crowding in upon him. In armor strong 
And safe mu.st, he be clad to shield 
Him from the poisoned darts of arrows 
'Gainst him hurled, before wesejid him out 
Into the world of nations. He must be 
Baptized in blood, ami too, a name 



MYlilORAMA. 77 

Be given him whereby tlio world may know 
Him when he eonies. 

*' We're free T said. 
But lessons of the past, by sad experience 
Learned, have taught tliat vigilanee 
Eternal is the prioe of lH)erty. We need 
More strength ; a eeiitral power recognized 
By all, of delegated duty, which unto 
The outside world shall represent 
Our will combined, and regulate our own 
Domestic difl'erence when we disagree. 
If ever such occur. A common danger. 
Hound us pressed, united all our sti-ength; 
But now the danger far removed, and we 
Would send our youtiiful nation out upon 
The sea alone, her rigging must be trimmed. 
Stability and power must we have; a fabric 
That the whirl of j)assions which sometimes 
Befall a people in their path, cannot destroy; 
A durable and stalwart craft with power 
To outride the billows as they come. 
Divided as we are in thirteen parts, 
Each one a sovereign in itself, the charter 
Of its Independence signed by Kingcraft's own 
Kight hand, yet of itself too weak ' 
To tight the world, or stand against 
The other States if they should ever, in 
The shifting scenes of 'time, be led 
By evil work of Avarice or Pride to join 
Their strength ag linst it. 'Twere well 
In the beginning, while we're pure, to so 
Secure ourselves with guards and bulwarks 
Round about, that w ar of foreign prince, 
Or feud intestine, should so great an evil 
E'er befall us in our course through life, 
Cannot destroy our walls. Our strength, 
Divided, very weak, is great when 'twere 
United in a perfect whole. To husband well 
Our means of power, not too much from each 
Detracting as to leave it at the mercy of 
The creature it creates, is what needs now 
Be done. Though Kingcraft be defeated, and 
His legions routed to the shore, yet 
Our w^eakness in this new, uniinished, and 
Divided state, one day may tempt 



78 .MYKlOivWMA. 

And fall a proy to Ins vovt^i^ii-e. Prudoiu't' -unv, 
Mny savo ns tiiuch icinor>o. 

*•^t^('ll \vo;k 
As tliis befits us lioiv. y.wvh spirit. 
Whoso niicovcrotl arm (ii«l lu'lp us in 
Tlio tiuht (o liniii tlie m'lv.v wlik-li wo on;ov. 
Has oarnod hi-* riiiht to have a voio«^ 
In roarin*i' u|) thi> iinn tM'ium lU that nvc 
•Propose to buihl and i'iMi-«HTau> to Freedom. 
fiCt each, if aiiiiht h<' ha\e to say. ikuv speak.'' 

>Vith brawny arni half baie. then I'laneo ra!.--ed 

And said : - .My pnninee is to work. 

Not govern. 1 only asU thai my prerouative 

Be %vell si-eured in what yon nntk'rtake. 

I want this i'i>ntinent to latior on 

Whore 1. and iho<e wh«> aid my loik n.vy show 

Our hnndiwi»rl\ without resira.ini. ami reaj) 

Our just rewanl. " 

With feartul trembliuir in 

Uis voiee untutored. Neu'ros raised to speak. 

But Triile. with w idl diiHN'ted stroke, prevented him, 

-•Let \i.i. be lu'ard," said dnstii-e. in eomnnind; 
And rrid«\ thouirh none a'nashed. did stand 
In an^er back. Thus, then, the slave appealed : 

"Most jrraeimts spirits, if n\v hunil>le voiec 
Is heard. I make hut one request. All else 
Is nausiht to me. Remove these marks 
\ml b.Tmls. antl >et me free lo work and to 
lveeeivi> the woiih of what 1 e:u"n. Behold 
What honesr ])ride ujHtn his brow niy brother 
iilaneo wears. He has broaihed the air 
Of Freedom but a few sh.ort years. 
Methinks it 1 were free, we'd all bt^ happier 
For it, and of greater wortii as men. 
For many vear-^ tout ther have we t«5iled ; 
Mueh labor done, nnu'h hardship borne; 
In all, however sluut of what was riuht 
Fve eome, to do my duty well ha^ been 
>ty eonstant aim. ami nothinii" a>ked 
But servant's fare. Fve earned my treedom as 
1 think. Not to learniiii:' trained. "m> thousihts 
May not be wis(>, but this to me seems elear: 
"Twere better now to urant my plain request. 
No w ron^ ean eome ot this. My prayers 



MYKIOKAMA. 

P'or freedom to my Great Eternal lilaster, ni<?h( 
And day are offered up. This my ehains 
Cannot'prcveiit. One day they inay be heard 
And answered to my earthly master's ruin." 

" You shall be free I " said Liberty. " althouorli 
[t take ten thousand years to do the work." 
;* Amen I " witii one aVcord the others said 
Vave Pride and Avarice, who stood 
With soowlinii" faees back. Then frisking td 
The front with passionate emotion. Pride 
Thus modestly be^an : 

•• ^ly presence in 
The land has been a thorn in Liberty's side. 
The ease with whieh I move ihrou»li life; 
The flutter in the world I make. 
Commanding admiration of the kings 
And princes on their thrones, has given 
Virtue pain, and Independence much 
Concern. My value as a handmaid in 
The work of "building up a nation in 
The earth where none was known before. 
They do not now appreciate. Without 
Advantage of a living tutor's skill 
To mould its character and give it tone. 
How soon the infant nation would decay 
And die. Naught else of all the various 
Accomplishments ot earth so well 
Betit the young and inexpert as that 
Whieh makes them proud and keeps 
Their heads upraised above the dirty throng. 
In otllce such as this, to best advantage 
My matchless worth is seen. But to the 
Future not so much as past I'd have 
You look to see me as I am. When dusky 
Savage dared to lift his hand in self defense 
As Freedom's sons appropriated much 
Of what he called his lands, and had 
The brazen impudence to claim from them 
Respectful audience to his ridiculous 
Complaint. I taught them how with 
Proper self-respect to scorn his low appeal 
And drive him from their presence. By my 
Advice they took the niggard's lands and put 
Them to a proper use. It made them rich ; 



80 MYEIORAMA. 

It. gave thorn pfond position in the loud; 
And iiave them \vli^rewit:hal to clolho 
Theirdauoliters and to train them in 
The school of pride. To regulate 
Their passions have I taught the people, 
And with some propriety tlu-.r prejudices train. 
That line, bj' God iiimself laid down. 
On either side of whieli, so properly arranged 
And, separated by theii- eolor, are the races 
Known, with care and deep concern 
I've taught them to respect. Between 
The races black and white, by earnest zeal 
And constant efibi't, have 1 raised 
A hatred up so virulent and strong 
That danger of am:ilgainaiion need 
Not now be entertained. This source 
Of national disturbance then, is drowned 
By my devoted work. Besides tliat due 
Kegai-d for self I've planted in the white 
Man's heart, and nurtured well its growth. 
With less success perlmps, but more 
Determined zeal, I've crushed the opening 
Bud of liberal thought which in its crude 
And humble state lay Ind beneatli 
The hideous skin of this degraded w retch 
Who here, amid this circle of the demi-gods» 
Dares crave attention. Though little knows, 
Or ever can, by years of alject bondage has 
He learned to "know the servile plane on w'liick 
By nature's mandate he must ever walk 
And serve his master well, Betwec n 
Him and the white, that proi>er prejudice 
I've nurtured long and trained, forbids 
That he be free. "—And Negros moaned aloud, 
*' No less, indeed, " continued she, " the fact» 
As all the world so well docs understand, 
That such is not his state by God 
Ordained. To serve is his estate, for so 
'T has alwavs been. The poor must serve 
The rich— the black the white. To have 
An equal voice in law or government, 
Would rapidly destroy his usefulness 
In any place he'd till. To make him 
Equal with ourselves would be to thrust 
Aside with very scorn the edict of 



MYPJORAMA. 81 

Jehovah's law, and down to his low 'level 

Let ourselves distfrace fully to fall. 

In patient service let him live and run 

His lowly round. The further tact 

That Christians are his masters, augurs for 

His future well. To serve for such belits 

Hiiu for a better life, if God has so 

Designed. 'Twill train and christianize 

His ignorant, benighted mind, 

And make him better servant. 'Twere wrong, 

To him injustice, as I think, to hear 

His stupid dream of toil and chains, 

And kindred stuff, and lend an ear 

To his unreasonable prayer for freedom. " 

Then Virtue in reply declared : 

"'Tis great injustice to denj'^ the humblest child 

Kespectful hearing. That glaring word 

Upon his forehead, and the band upon 

His wrist, are evidence at once 

Of bonds and most de^i^raded life. 

In bondage such as this to hold a man ; 

To force unwilling service from his shackled limbi» 

And brand him where the world maj' see 

His sad condition as he toils, in all 

Its parts is wrong. — a burning wrong, 

A damning sin. To claim ourselves 

What we deny to him, is true hypocrisy 

And shame :— unjust, disgraceful to 

The last degree. His arm has helped 

Us build our homes, and faithful has he been. 

Against his will brought hither, now 

That he hath served us well, do let me loos© 

His bands. " 

And stepping forward toward 
flira as in very joy his fettered limbs 
He raised and held them out to meet 
Her gentle hand ;— a moment more. 
And they had fallen, but a stronger arm 
Than hers between them placed,' with mild 
Persuasion the apparent weapon of 
Attack, he turned her from her good desigri, 
"While Negros wept in bitterness of heart 
At this unmerited dishonor. 
6 



82 MYRIORAMA. 

'Twns Capital tliat came between, and thns 

Sp iko lie : " Btitwecn myselt and Labor lies 

A stronii' miv'uddinu- cord of sympathy. 

Our duties and desiiiiis, 'tis true, are not 

Tiie same, yet we are strongly bound 

]iy ties of interest to eaeb otlier's hopes; 

To him my preseiiee is essential as his life. 

lie lives aiid moves within my rei.irn ; 

My atmosphere he l>reathes, and «iies 

At mv ex)ense. Without my potent aid 

He withers as a frosted phiiit and falls. 

Essential thns to him, his service is 

To me no less important. Wealth, 

The product of our si.ren.u'th united, springs 

Up liUe a cultivated flower, and spreads 

Its fraiirance round to beautify 

And bless the land. The evidences of 

Our usefulness are seen on every hand. 

And stare you in the face from every door. 

On land nd loss than sea, we have 

Our mystic art at woik, and gold 

Rains in your coffers as we toil. 

Your trade and commerce have we built, 

Ko less have m ule your social good. In bone 

And sinew of the body politic; 

In every fibre of its vital frame. 

Our life lies hidden and impels the whole 

To move. ^Vhen our strength is brought to bear 

The mountains move, the forests clear 

Themselves away, and cities as by magic raise 

T.ier busy heads. We're omnipresent in 

The land. Without ns you're destroyed. 

My interest in the land is great;—" 

" 'Tis true, '* 
The spirits all declared. 

" There's much 
Unfinished j'et to do; " he then resumed. 
Betore us lie great boundless tracts 
In nature's garb, where fields must bloom 
Ami civilization rule before another 
Hundred years roll by." 

« 'Tis true, " again 
The voices said. 

»• As wo develop strength, " he said, 
*♦ And power, which we will, new avenues 



MYRTORAMA. 83 

Of wealth Mill show themselves around 
Our way unci these must he improved. 
My life is restless, as 'tis usetui. I 
Must work. Your (.-onnsel .ind your aid 
Must I heapeak in shapin": my 
Peculiar entl- ; lor as you all no well 
Do understaiid. success of my adventures. 
Aided by the hand of Labor. r,o your joint 
And several good conspires, and my defeat 
Is yours. " 

Again they said : '' 'Tis true. " 

** The harvest, sure is plenty, " he resumed, 

*'But laborers are few. 80 soon ns one 

Of Labor's sons outgrows his bonds 

And Freedonj's arms encircle him. 

With one of iny descendants joins he in 

A happy marriage, and unto rliemselves 

Be>fin their life anew. This rotjs WMi of 

My strength in such proportion as the loss 

Is great or small. O'er sucli. my ride 

Is weak; — indeed, ofr-timcs to their demands 

Am I compelled to yield. But such as still are held 

In bondage do ol)ey my will, and do it well. 

Their wortii in great degree depends upon 

Their close ol)edience to their master's will. 

For reasons such as these, methinks -twere ill 

Advised to set them free from service yet, 

And not until it can be better spared 

Than now. " 

Ambition, in Ids usual warmth, 
Delivered thus his thoughts: 
"The end and aim of dl onr hopes 
Is liberty for man. The corner stone on which 
Our tem|>le i-ests. is e<]UMl riiitit of all 
To this inestimable good. The right of one 
To hold his f<-llow as a slave, no soul 
By love of Lil)erty inspired dare admit. 
To buy and sell his sinews and ids bones 
For gold, is sin most damning, and 
The nation that perniits it tnust incur 
Divine displeasui-e. When we build 
Our nation up with chains upon a part 
Of those we liave as props, that hour ia 
Our inmost vitals do we plant 



84 MYRIOEAMA. 

A canker with its spreading poison which 

In time must work its end and send 

Disease to all our parts. To make this nation free 

In fact as well as name, to rid the land 

Of sin in all its forms and make the world 

A better place for man to dwell, has been 

My aim, and to that end I now declare 

My life, and all my en erotics of will, 

Shall ever be most sacredly devoted. 

My voice is for the freedom of this man 

And all his race. The golden thouglit 

Which Capital has urged as best. betra.ys 

The weakness of that strength that builds 

Itself upon the ruins of deciaying 

Liberty. The tender bird untledged 

Remains within itslitcle prison wall; 

But when, with tiuttering pinion plumed. 

He looks upon the broad domain of heaven 

And calls it his, he's free, and goes 

Without a rein upon his wing. 

So Labor, from his fetters free, combines 

With child ot Capital, and builds himself 

Anew in life. The blood of Freedom swells 

His veins,— he feels iiimself a man. 

And slavery ne'er again shall capture him. 

Why not to all apply this glorious 

Indulgence? Make him free as man 

Should be, and then adapt your pliant will 

To what his new condition needs, and thus 

Exert your omnipresent power to remove 

The burdens of our rai.'e. and of our ills 

Believe us. Employment such a^ this 

Would forge a golden chain to bind 

Us to th' eternal throne above, and make 

Us chosen people of the living God. 

Go, burst his ciiains; let freedom shine 

Upon his darkened soul, that it may live 

And bloom as well as chine, and make 

Unto thyself a name immortal. " 

As he ended this appeal cacne Mercy by 
His side low nestling, while her loving eyes 
With all their beaming luster looked 
Appealingly on face of Capital, and said: 
"Do, pray, permit me loose these pinching bands 



MYRIORAMA. 85 

And eet poor IsTegros free. T know he'd serve 
Thee better and with truer, braver hetirt. " 

But Capital replied "Fair nnjre]. no : 
Not now. Not man}' years more yet 
Of toil, but suf'h as we do need for certain ends 
Already named, and then that pleasure thou 
May'st have. -Tis not my wish forever thus 
To hold him. but for the present let it so 
Remain. His service must we Mave a time, 
And better 'twere in bonds. Thy frail 
And tender nature does befit thee not so well 
For ripened judgment of the sterner things 
Which meet us in the round of life. Let us, 
Of harder nature made, decide whafs best, 
And for a little time have patience with 
Our i)lans. " 

Like starlight through the dropping rain, 
Out through her tears shone Mercy's eyes. 
As sorrowfully yielded she her happy work. 

Then Avarice leered his serpent eye 
Askance, and spake to them in this wise : 
"Some claim have I to your attention here. 
The tenure of your lands in great degree, 
On my suggestions rest. In part at least. 
The wealth you now enjoy, of my begetting is. 
You owe me much : to that extent you're in 
My power, which for good or evil is intense 
And well controlled, as you'll have reason yet 
Tolearn. To whom I will, destruction comes. 
And wealth and place to whom. My arm 
Is shield in manj' a dangerous work ; 
My coil is as the serpent's— stronger as it grows 
Near time of meal. Upon this son of Ilam 
A claim I hold, and on his sons 
And daughters noiie the less. I brought 
Them here for service, toil and gain ; 
And not until their work is done, and I 
Have nothing left for tliem to do in this 
Their servile state, will I consent to change 
His plane. The words of Capital are true 
And titly spoke. Those bonds, so sore 
And painful to the eyes of certain here, 
Are locked, and I do hold the key. The work 



86 MYRTOllAMA. 

For \vhi(;li yoirrc met can not siicceod 
TCxcopt in this respect I hjn e wy wny. 
My son.-^ are niiineitxis ami my |)^)^^('^ .<>reat. 
No plan can I approve, or counsel tliein 
To do. of governmenl. unless yon leave 
Me Ne^iTos as my own wirliout dispute, — 
For me and Capital. \V!u'n ir suits 
Our pleasure, as in time \ve think it will, 
We'll do as seemelh best; !>ut n(nv 
Let nothin.ii' n\oj-e be said in his belinlf. 
And let him have no voice or part in this 
Transaction. " 

So spoke the imp. and Conipromise, 
As if to soften and excuse Hie ^larin^i' Nvroiij?, 
With smiling .i>-ruce declared : 

'*"T\vere better not 
To n.£>,itate this danaerous (heme to any 
Greater len*rtli. 'Twill sow discord aiid 
Troul)le in our midst. The spe iker last 
Who spoke a lar^eand inlliUMitial class 
Does ably represiMit. and he (!<'ciarcd in terms 
Most ])ositive and (dear, that liis demands 
Must ho conceded else our object here 
Must fail for want of harmony. IkUh he 
And Cai)ital oi)iin' that but a i'ew 
More years at most they'll ne<Mi the service of 
This man. and then. !is v.e may hope 
Witli reasonable certainty, tor they 
Are honorable spirits sj)ea*Icin.u- w liat 
They earnestly bcliex e. they w ill release him. 
Indeed, 'twere little matter as to worth. 
If free or bond does Nroros live. Ills jiame 
Anion<r mnnkind is low and rarely iK^ird; 
He's (piite unlit lorhijili pir^ilinn. and 
As servant lllls his place most titly. No need 
Methinks for in^ared thoujiht. where little is 
At stake, or notliin'j:. as *tis here. To save 
Commotion in our midst, to further peace, 
Svith jrveat respect for all. 1 do |)ropose 
That we concede the thin*i' disputed." 

Am1)ition spranjr upon his nin\ble feet 
And said : •• I will not thus consi nt that man 
By will may ludd a rijriit of ])ioperty 
In mtm, and t?ius incorporate a living lio 



MYKIOltAMA. 87 

In our law. " 

Said Coinpi-ornise: *-Tt nord 
Kot enter in l\\(t l;i\v. "Tis pn^misc mndc 
Outside the law, tli.-it N(*;;r<)s s!i:ill he free 
In time. Let that, remain as law iinto 
Itself. Trust the word of those who pledji^e 
Themselves so saeredly. Their honor will 
Forbid apostacy. " 

And Avarice said : 

" It matters not 
To me ahont the law. if von hut leave the chains 
Upon his limbs until iiis time's lultilled." 

Ambition spoke n<j;aln : 

"' Omit tino-. riiop. 
Within the written law. his title slavk; 
His tenure too as well. — th(^ reason why 
You liold him thus, and i)1e(!<j:<. your saered 
Word that time, and that, »i(»t distant far. 
Shall see him free.— with sneh at^reetnent, 
For the peae<; and pr<'sent o-ood I'll hope, 
I yield the point, but with distinct 
Announeement of my nnderstandinar; 
A few more years of "slavish toil, and then 
You'll make him free. I swear hare now 
ni execute the hand. 

Said Justice then : 
"You know not what you do. You sow the seeds 
Of death where livin<r' plants should <rrow. 
Yc passed unlK-eded by mv warninjr in 
The cloud—' IW just. I)e just, to all. '—Ye have 
It now a<r;nn. Beware of compromise 
W^ith wron<,^ By steiltli and rapin.; brou^'ht 
From homo where natm-e i>lace(l him free. 
He's held in l)onda«>(. jici-e. c(»nipelled bv force 
To toil a;iainst, ids will, anil for another's ^r-.x'm. 
Justice to him now is liltertv. and nothiufj less. 
God created all men equal. He never 
Made a slave: that i< human work. 
Who denies to tnan that native liberty 
His Fatliei- ;>ave, depjives his brother of 
His birthriuht. Ketribntion. when it comes, 
As come it will in time, for dnW decree 
*S unerrinir as Himself, and so 
'Twas written from the lirst,— will feed 



88 MYRIOKAMA. 

On him who violates the hiw; and terrible 
Must be the ven<ieanee meteil out to him 
Who traffics in tlie flesh and blood of men — 
The oflsprinof of the Father. God. Be not 
Deluded by the falsel}- varnished hope 
Of future freedom for the slave, so Ion*]: 
As devils walk unchained, and g-old allures 
The eye. The heart so deeply steeped in crime 
That in the darkness of the tanjiled wood 
Dare pounce upon a j)ass!no- ehlhl 
And send it to a life of wron<r. is fit 
For murder, harlotry and sliame. ISTo truth 
Except by accident, or told for stolen giun. 
From such a fountain sprin«is. T.et pa^ss 
This moment and your future life 
Will be diseased from head to foot. Life strikes 
Its searchin,": roots deep down into the dead, 
And lives upon decayin.U' thinccs. Let not 
The life of w ckedness and wrong spring from 
The ruins of decaying liberty." 

Said Compromise in answer to this grave 
Rebuke: "But if two evils do present 
Themselves, and one we must accept, 
Would it not be wise to choose the less? " 

'Choose none, " said Justice. ''Do but right, and keep 
The law." 

Wisdom then thus reasoned : 
*' Much power has this spirit Avarice here. 
He can destroy us and our hopes. By granting 
His request, thougli wrong it surely is. 
We may combine our now divided strength 
For future usefulness, and God, when He 
Determines, will accomplish what we now 
Defer. Denj' him and we fnll again 
To weakness and a prey to Kingcraft's lust. 
Can we not this evil foV a time endure 
With more of good resulting than to fly 
To others which we know not of? and will 
It not insure a greater good ? " 

''One day." 
Said Justice, "will you be compelled to lop 
It oft'. Its spirit is aggressive, and in time 
Its serpent head will raise itself, unless 



MYRIORAMA. 8 

Destroyed, and take the rule of state." 

" 'Tis that much or.iin, " said Progress : 
"To have tlie pl( d<i;c of nil. Ihontjh some were false, 
On Freedom's side. VVc inii>;t. for purposes 
Of Union now. to work a lasting ^ood, — 
A «jood of <irealt'r worth with evil of a short 
Continuance combined, than tliouprh we frtte 
The slave and separjjte tlie stat(;. When strong 
And great we grow, the force of public thought 
Will then compel fulfillment of the pledge 
Made here. I do confess that we inu>t choose 
'Twixt evils now% and 1 am willing to 
Accept the less. " 

•■ So he it, if you thus agree; 
But what J-ve said. I've said, and that's the law, " 
Said Justice in reply. 

" No further need 
For me, " said Avarice, "if no oflence 
Be taken, I'll retire. " 

"And I; ""and I;" 
Said Pride and Capital, and they did leave 
The scene, with Negros limping in 
Their rear, dejected sore. 

Behind was left 
A purer atmosphere. With careful word 
And studied phrase, then Laredef made free 
To speak. " When man unto himself a rule 
Wouhl make tor fu ndiimcntal law. a view 
Of that Supernal Constitution of the Great 
Infinite Gofl, hy which II<' rules and governs 
All His varied world, might lessen much 
His labors and sinjplify his work. 
With that intent, let's pause and read a line 
There written. Himself the center of the whole, 
Unnumbered systeujs round Him roll 
Their mystic spheres in well appointed time; 
A center for each system, round the which 
In lesser circles run their wonted round 
The worlds appointed there to stay, 
And wheel their endless I'ourse in space, 
Attracted each unto its central sun 
By stronger power divine. No jar 
Or discord breaks upon His listening ear, 
But round, and round again, in one 



90 JVIYIIIORAMA. 

Harmonious whole, in noi.<e]('s< orbits move 
The lesser phinets rodiid tlieir inner sun 
And these, with all theii- uiiiriing" stars. 
About the Great Eternal Cenier of them all, — 
The Great Onniipolent w ill, — the inner force 
The stronger always. 

•• Thus ma}' we 
Arrano^e our plan. ^\ central power make 
"With duty well detined. comlMninu" in 
Itself attractive foi-ce to iioid the States 
Within tlieir proper orbit'-; as (licy run 
Their revolutions roiiiul the federal head; 
And should some initaling cause cojne in 
Between the inner and the outer force 
"Which for a time miulit thniaten dissolution, 
The central power would restrain and draw 
Them back— the truant States—to their 
Allegiance. Thirtfeu iii nuui'iei- now 
The States. Let each retain irs little 
System of domestic rule, but to the 
Federal head by boiuls so strong allied. 
That unexpected trouhle could Hot break, 
A system thus of States revolving round 
A higher center by the people made. 
Controlling all their niovonents which 
Do not themselves ini mediately concern. 
Would we ej-ect. and government of great, 
Surpassing strength— of permanence 
And worth — would I)e around us tor 
Our mutual piotecUo?) 'gainst the world, 
And all intestine discontent. 
A Government w ithout the power to 
Perpetuate itself and givn protection to 
Its citizens in every quarter of the land 
O'er which it ruled. — or crippled in its will 
To quell disturbances to s<ich extent 
As that it coidd not shi«dd itself against 
Internal discord or reljclliou. 
Would be an easy prey to spoil and ruin, 
If e'er amlutious men comldncd to plot 
Against it. Wisdom now (tictates. methinks, 
That in th' beginniuj;- of our race we make 
Sfcure a lasting hold uf)on 

All necessary power, and by certain safeguards 
Be surrounded, tliat projecting rocks 



ilYEIOKAMA. 91 

In our tcmpfstiioiiP voy;ige inuy not 
Dissever iiiivi destroy our yoiillinii ehip. 
My ^enenil pljiii is such. Dt'tuils. 
And more minute jnjiin^ciuenr, ni;iy 
Conform to this rude ouiline of desi<i'n 
In future jipplicMtiou. Tise States within 
Tiiemselve.c. still soverei/^n luny reniisin, 
Whih; do tlie people of llicm u\\. as one 
Great whole, unite and f')rm the fe(ieral head 
For general <;ood and niuii al restraint." 

To thiF, then Tarcoir.ed rej lied : 

-Of power 
And all its various, snhtle forms. 
My heart has ^rreat alihorreiiee. and 
As deep a jealoutvy. Lon<i' years of toil 
And patient sufierin^' have sondy tanjrht 
Us Iiow to value fretdom. Through all 
That dreary time, around our homes 
In most distasteful ways, did Kin^eraft weave 
His web of tyranny, which only war, 
"With weakness, waste and desolation as 
Its end. remove*]. At tlist he claimed 
But little, nor that little loud. Imt by 
De<?rees slow comin^i' on like summer 
Solstice, quiet iait incessant si ill. 
He plied his wily arts until our very hearths 
He claimed. our"dau(rhters and our sons; 
And naught hut most d<'termliied force 
Continued Ion<J: could drive the evil of 
His Insts away. From this protracted 
Strug-jrle with a king. I've leai'ued 
To hate all eviderc es of his e^ er 
Having lived to cuj-se tiie earth w ith his 
Remorseless presence. Ail lingerinof 
Relics of his barl>arism I despise. 
And loathe the very name ot power. 

"This want 
Of sympathy with kings, this sad exptiience 
With their black iniquifics. wiil be excuse 
I pray, for what nuiy ollierw ise ajjpear 
Severe expression. 1 diflVj- v. idely with 
JSy valued Larcdcf. as to bi< plan 
Of government. His < cnfral s« n 
Would grow a scorching flame of lire, 



92 MYRIofeAMA. 

And singe the helpless flec1o^elino"'s wings. 
'Twould grow e^o huge and lustious in 
Its blaze, that little, feeble, outer planets, 
In their love of gr;indeur some bewildered, 
Would go to bask themselves within its light 
And lose their lustre th^re. Tliis inner lorcc 
Would grow too great, and soon absorb 
The whole. By force of its attraction, 
The little struggling worlds upon 
The outer verge of their allotted space, 
Would deviate from the appointed line 
By slow degrees, and, losing now 
Their power of resistance, dash against 
The inner sun, and lose themselves 
In him. 

" While guarding as we should 
Against contingent ills by proper union formed, 
'Twere well that nothing more we do. 
A constant watch upon the ruler oft 
Relieves us from his snares. Eflects 
The same from causes like arise. 
The nature and the aim of power is 
To fortify and to increase itself. 
The more is given to it, the more it will 
Demand. Sufficient to the head 
For what, as freedom-loving people they do need, 
With liberal hand J give, but not a moiety 
Beside. Let it the creature be, and not 
Creator. Then should it attempt 
Absorption or coercion of the powers that 
Had given it its life, we'd know our rights, 
And knowing, dare maintain them. 

"Upon consent of those on whom it rests 

Do governments derive their just authority. 

So long as they retain the people's good 

Affections, they will stand as adamant. 

When these the}"^ lose, deca}'^ and rot strike deep 

Into their vitals, absorbing what of life they have, 

And all the powers of hell can't stay 

The dread disease. If that we now 

Propose to rear should prove in its 

Administration just, regarding well 

The peojjle's liberties — not oppressive in 

Its rule, then no fear of felid or war 



MYPJORAMA. 93 

Within ourselves; but should a love of power, 
Orunhol3% wild Ambition seize the reins 
Of government and grind the people down, 
The thunder of the public wrath would tear 
It into atoms. 

"The gulf dividing us 
Is great, yet not so wide, methinks. 
But that It may be bridged. That love 
We mutually bear our chosen land 
Is guaranty that what with our 
Conceptions of the riglit we can. we will, 
For good of our common country, most 
Cheerfully concede. We need a common head — 
A general government, for purposes 
By all well understood. How much 
We give to it of power, and how much 
Eetain unto ourselves, is what divides 
Us now. Essential what, I yield. 
But nothing more. So much retain 
That if in future years need be, our hands 
Will not be tied. A just and true respect 
Unto the rights reserved by States, will give 
Security and permanence, and they 
Are all we need. " 

In answer, Laredef replied : 
"Sufficient to the federal head of povver 
To perpetuate itself and parry all 
Attacks from whatsoever source they come, 
Methinks we ought to yield. The work 
Of human hands is always weak. 
Some festering sore — some tender spot — 
May now be lurking in the veins through which 
Our nation's blood will run, to us unseen, 
Or seen, permitted to remain ; and this 
In time may generate confusion and 
A subsequent disquiet, which, if left unchecked 
To run its course ot ruin, would produce disease, 
Disintegration and decay ; and yet 
It might be wise and greatly to our good. 
If povver in the land which all respect 
Could remedy the evil, and restore the state. " 

To which then Tarcomed responded thus : 
**If the government should leave its place 
And go astray to trample on the people's rights, 



&4 3IY1U0EAMA. 

It should not be perpetnated. If riglit 
And jiKstice rule irs course, no <liin^"or need 
Be feiired within : and if IVom any 
Other quarter couios ne're n^ady for it then 
As in the past Ave'vo been. Our people as 
Tiiou knowest well, are virtuous ajid brave. 
No tear froui their as.^aiilt if no one's 
In the wron*?. " 

'*^Thy nr<jfumont, " said Larcdef, 
*' Does rest upon the people's virtues. Great 
And many thou<rh they he, all men are human; 
And vvJuit is hunijfn may he led astray. 
The orovernnu'nt may onee he riuht, 
The people wron**-. Should sueh occur 
With us, wl»o then shall be the jud^e?" 

" No danger do 
I fear from nny wron<i- the people may 
Commit. They will ri<j:ht themselves if hand 
Of power keeps it's proper place." 

«' If possible arranffersKMit can be made," 
Paid Compromise, "between these dilVerent plans 
Of government. ;uid thus defer disi)ute, 
'The which, if long continued may prevent 
A union of the iH^ople for their good. 
'Twere very wise it seemeth me, it should 
Be done. Might not the matter icst 
"With safety where it is? Each does concede 
That power sullicicnt for tlie end proposed 
Must needs be granted to the central head. 
For ills unknown— in future time 
Contingeut— may not provision then 
Be made, should ever they arise ? " 

*• That contenteth me, " said Tarcomed. 

*-Mv will T vield, " said Laredef, 

*'F6r present, and I'll hope for future good 

Of all, but still my judgment is the same. 

"When, to build a nation out of States, 

Whose people heretofore gave them 

Allegiance, for our nuitual good 

We undertake, we either do or not. in law, 

Create a body corporate which of a right, 

And by its very contititution, holds 



MYRIORAMA. 

Unto itself all necessary powers 

For self protection and perpetual life. 

To wluit extent tliis riji^hthii power may go 

In matter.^ now iin>^epn, and merely 

Prophecied or dreamed, is matter of 

Opinion, and on that, perhiips 

We need not further speculate." 

With restless eye then Aborigines arose 
And thus he spoke:. 

"Am I to be 
Consulted not in this jiiiiJintic 
Enterprise which so mucrh concerneth me? 
Is ni3' voice forever hnslied. and like 
My name to fade away and die? 
This land was once my home, without 
Intrudin;^ mortal to disturb 
The sweetness of my nn(lui<iht dreams. 
My rit(ht to most of it remains unto this day. 
Then was my freedouj unrestrained. No fear 
Of comin<r dan<j:er luiked in clouds, 
Or fell around me in the rain ; 
But since the day your people came 
Across the deep'blue watei-. jny peace has been 
Disturbed, and now my home is not secure. 
My lands in part appropriated to their use Avithout 
Return, save promises that never were 
Futilled. But name of <j:ood old Penn 
My people love, for he was faithful to his word, 
And' paid me for the lands he l)OU^!it. 
You have destroyerl my hunting* jyrounds. 
My trustin«< people causelessly have killed, 
And disinterred the bones of my 
Departed braves. You've done'me many — 
Many wron^rs. W^hen tiist you set 
Your feet upon this land of mine, you then 
Weri young and feel>ie. Your shadow reached 
But little way, and mine was high 
Above it. Strong and brave was red man then. 
I gave you welcome here within my 
Peaceful home. You're largiM- now\ and 
Man}' warriors roun<l you stand to do 
Your will. With these do you propose. 
As often have you done, to'drive nw. from 
The hoLQe^ to which when you were small 



96 MYRTOEAMA. 

And cast nijon th*^ world a Rtrangcr and 
Alone, I \\elC'onH;d you, aiul tlii:s without 
Reward or recompense? The iiiuid tliat fed 
You in your youth, and ^ave you kindly o:rasp, 
You'll now, when older grown, and stiong, 
Destroy and lop it oil" because you have 
The power so to do? I?^ such the teaeliing, 
Of your Father as you read His book ? 
Have 1 then a voice or not in this design?" 

Said Independence in reply : 

" Great truth 
In much you say, and due respect I pay 
To it. Much wrong", by evil spirits done, 
Has brought disgrace and sluinie on 
Innocent designs in ever}' period 
Of the world. I came not here however 
To consult your pleasure or your ease. 
For all your oilices of Iriendship done, 
My gratitude is due you. For the wrongs 
Of treachery and deceit without a cause 
You've done to me. you have my plain 
Forgiveness. The wrongs my people did 
Do I deplore, and wish 'twere otherwise; 
But for their sins I can't atone. My work 
Was given me by Him who doeth what 
He will. In oUlen time He gave His 
Chosen seed a land, and bade them take. 
Possess, and own it. What of war 
And spoil were consequent, was m^t 
To their account set down. His will 
Must all obey. What He permits. He does 
For general good. He sent me to this land 
To build a home for all the world to till. 
If thou art in the way, or wont unite 
With us, thou'lt be removed by hand 
Of God through agencies His own. 
If in the storms that round thee sweep, 
Thou'rt carried off in the whirling wind, 
Thy weakness, rather than my strength. 
Should bear the charge if any do attach. 
To consult thee I have no command. 
My pleasure shall it be, as in the early time 
I promised you, vour days on earth 
To make as peace! ul as within 



MYRIORAMA. 97 

My power lies. Yonr comfort and repos© 
Shall be our constant care. Against 
The wrongs of wicked men, as far as in 
Me lies, I'll grant you my protection. If 
Your lands at anv time we need, we'll make 
You fair reward, and see that you are paid. 
Much of wrong not now foreseen 
Will doubtless come, but this will be 
Exception, not the rule. For your peace 
Whatever 1 can flo, will cheerfully 
Be done; the rest remains with you, 
And that is all I have to say ; except 
That tiiou art dying now, and with thee 
All thy people. On the scroll of fate 
*Tis written thus, and 1 cannot prevent." 

Aborigines responded then in these words: 

"If I rightly understand you, 

My race' is nearly run then ; 

And like the morning vapor, 

Or the falling mists of evening 

Fast settling into twilight 

To rest until the sunrise 

Kemoves them in the morning, 

My people and tiieir children 

Are doomed to quick extinction. 

And this is the reward of welcome 

I gave your feeble people 

When first they set their feet on 

The shores of tlie Atlantic. 

Oh, it I had only known then 

That such would be their niission, 

Their little ship had foundered 

That brought them safely over 

In the deep nnijestic ocean 

Before it neared its mooring. 

"Then all my kind entreaties 
For your full and patient hearing 
Of my man\\ bitter grievance 
By your wicked people done me, 
Must pass away for notiiing. 
This is the return for friendship, 
Given witliout stint or asking, 
To a people rich in learning, 
7 



98 MYRIORAMA, 

And claiiTiin«vto be ohristian. 
llUhis be doctrine of the Father, 
The Holy one above ns. 
He h:is deceived tiie reel man. 
For He taught him to l)e honest 
And upright: in hi?; dealings; 
To render all men justice; 
To love the ways ot mercy. 
And walk before Him humbly. 

"Your people took advnntngo 

Of my uu})retendi!ig friendship, 

When many 3' ears afoi-etime 

I gave you nature's welcome. 

We took them to our homes then, 

And treated them with klndfiess-; 

We showed them nil our rivers. 

We took thcju to oui- mountains, 

We led them to j)ur wigwasns. 

And covered them with blankets 

When the early autumn frosts came, 

And warmed them in the winter 

When the snow-drifts blew around them. 

"How sorely they've betrayed us, 
And turned onr kindly u^eicome 
To avenues of ruin 
And destruction of our people. 
Our early homes they've taken. 
Our wigwams and destroyed them; 
Our hunting grounds they've wasted 
And planted fields of corn there. 
They've cleared away our forests. 
Dug deeply in our mountains; 
They've fenced ahout our meadows. 
And driven us to v.estward. 
Two hundred times, above me, 
These trees have put tlieir leaves out 
And in the autumn dropped tiiem. 
While the v«'rongs I name were passing 
Without a moment calling 
Their most remote attention. 
Not 3^et ail appropriated 
Of my large and ample fortune, 
Could their grasping avarice 



MYlilOKAMA. 99 



Be satistierl and stop there, 

I still hnd lelt nu' plenty. 

But now they want remainder, 

And to the side you crowd me, 

Kerns!n<r n^3' petition 

To take a part in council 

When my native home's in question. 

"They've hemmed tliemselves about ni« 

Like swarms of summer locusts. 

And when I would remain tiiere 

Where <;'ravesof all my cliildren. 

And memories of my fathers, 

Do sleep in peace aiid quiet, 

They caution me t' abandon 

The'hahits of my childhood, 

To change our ancient nature. 

And adopt their novel system 

Of life and ag-riculture, 

Or depart and leave them 

To take my lands and use them 

And when they ^ct possession 

Claim the ri<iht to on n them. 

As we are. the Master made us; 

Of this we're not complaining, 

For what He does is well done. 

Our life was free as nature, 

As happy too and peaceful, 

We have an inward teacher 

That tells us of a heaven 

Behind the western sunset. 

Where all. without distinction. 

All save the bad and guilty, 

Will ever be most happy, 

No one there to harm us. 

Or disturb our constant pleasures: 

But the great eternal future 

Will be a line of endless ages 

Where pleaiires grovv unstinted, 

And happiness unending. 

'''We will not change our life then, 
Our life-long ways and customs; 
The Father don't'demand it. 
tf your people will destroy us. 



LofC. 



too MYRIORAMA. 

And plow our chihlreius' jrraves up 

Without roinuncration 

Or hcariii«JC our jiclition 

For redress of our grievance, 

Tlien in tlie hind of spirits. 

In the distMiit unknown future, 

Where (Jod with all tk-als justly. 

They may render tlu'ir account there 

And take what He shall <;ive them. 

"I'll o;vther nj) my children, 

My old, decrcpid 'fathers. 

My tender, lovin*;- women. 

And take Iheui with me westward 

Toward the <i()i(h'n sunset. 

And build them there new wi«j;wam3 

Amid the snowy moun Lai us. 

We'll leave thehaunts of childhood, 

With all their happy nienrries; 

We'll leave our native birth place, 

With all its (k'ar surrrouudings; 

Well lenve the little streamlet 

That's windini;- throu<;-h the valleys, 

Where once W(> i-athered llowers 

To ornament our brides with; 

We'll leave th(>u\ all. and give them 

To the avaricious white man 

Who calls himself a christian. 

"Farewell to hopes that clustered 
Round our haj)py boyhood; 
Farewell to joys and pastimes 
We loved in days departed; 
Farewell to homes and 11 resides 
Where we have dwelt for ages, 
To father, mother, dead there, 
To all that made us happy 
In the morning sunrise, 
In the heati'd noontide. 
In the evening twilight, 
In the miilnight dreaming. 
Where we loved existence 
For the hapi>y pleasures 
Our simple life allorded; 
And welcome, western mountain, 



MYIUORAMA. 101 



With your snow-capt ledges; 
New and nirnn-^e julvctnlure, 
With your round of mi-'ry, 
And all that may befall us 
As we part in de(;pest sorrow 
From the homo- of man)' sunsets, 
And take our line of march up 
For lands and wilds \\<- know not 
In the distant hills and valleys 
Of the far-oil", unknown country. 

''But remember, white man, 

I ^ive you timely warnin«^; 

I'll never take your promise 

In the lon<^ and distant future. 

For any ;?ood behavior 

Of your fals<;, your ftiithless people. 

Remember, pale faeed brother, 

That you have jyreatly wrong<'d me 

In the dismal, dreadful pa«t time: 

And while I may forgive it., 

I never can forget it : 

And when again you cheat me. 

Destroy my lands and rob me, 

It shall cost you dearly. 

Your blood shall pay the forfeit 

Of your dastardly betrayal 

Of my early ardent welcome. 

'*To the mountains let me hasten ; 
Let me go and build my home there 
Where freedom's still n;maining; 
Where my people may be happy 
And live again in i)leasurr. 
If so be that they remember 
Not again their ehildiiood 
And all its tender gleanings. 
Farewell! White man, remember. " 

And closely wrapping round his face 
The flowing scarf he wore, w itli head 
In sorrow bowed, he slowly walked 
Away and never more returned. 

Aj)parent consternation seemed to seize 



102 MYEIORAMA. 

The hearts of tho^e wlio listened to 
The pathos of his parti n«- speech, 
And in silent wonder sat t!iey all a time 
As thou^^h they still did list(='n to 
His simple tale of truth. Their look 
Upon his fadin.ii: form was long-, nnd not 
Until himself M'as bwritui in the wood 
Did they withdraw their l!n,j:eriji<>" look. 
When Fro<^ress rose and thus did speak : 

"When storm elouds ride the western sky. 

And lightning's play their frantic freaks, 

They ask not man or beast what tree 

Or other thinj? to strike. The voice of God 

Is in the storm, and they ob.e.y His call. 

They dart where He directs, au'l whei'e Re points 

They stiike. 'Tis not for th(MH to know His will, 

But only to obey it. He works His ends 

By means to us unseen, and thou^jch we work, 

And toil, and bend our course by what to iis 

Seems reason of our own. we're in the hand 

Of Him who ruleth as He will, for He 

Directs the wliole. Thus f;ir H<'\s led us through 

The darkness of the years, and thouirU tlie fates 

Destroy the primal race uj>on this favored land, 

That's nauolitto us. A wondi-ous |)lan is now 

Unfolding in the lap of time, and no 

Poor savaire life can stay the onward march 

Of ri^ht and the eternal titness of design 

In the be.ti'inninf!: made. Pro<iTession is 

The law of Him who Vvas and is to be 

For all the time to come, and what is in the way 

Of His mnjestic march must 3'ield 

To th' overmasterins: strain of His 

Unbendino' will. The world is destined to 

Be free, and here we watch upon an outpost 

Of th' eternnl scheme spr(\'i(l over all 

The earth and thi'oujili its inmost ])arts. 

Our duty is to work and f<>!]ow^ up the plan 

Conceived within the mountain cloud 

When God's own Jing'er pointed here. 

Onward then, and let the faintiuijc savajre die. 

"His exodus beo-an lon.u" years -j^^o. when sun 

Of T.iberty fii-st shone upon hi* liumble head. 

'Tis our duty now to make his dying' 



MYPJORAMA, 103 

Easy as we can. h\it let bim ,^o, if po 

He be within che scope of better tljinp:s. " 

Thus cloctrified. the cliieftain passed nwny 
From all their tlioushts, and now their e.yes 
Were turned toward Wisdom, who. 
Up slowly rising then addressed them thus: 

♦' Two point? of difference only now 

Remain to mjir the l.eauty ot the 

General plan we make, to ^'ive a doubt 

Of its most perfect stren.ijcth and 

Permanent sccnrity : The slave's 

Petition one; the other, question raised 

'Twixt I.aredef and Tareomed. a=> 

To which the o^reater power holds, the States 

Themselves, or tliat wiiich all tlie people 

Do create— the Federal head. For his 

Solution, these are left to Time. Whether good 

Or evil come from this defeetion. future 

Evolutions will disclose- Perfection on 

The earth, has never yet ap])eaied. 

'Twere foolish to expect it now. Experience 

In time to corne. as in the pa«t. must he 

Our o:nide. We ti'roj)e in darkness here. 

And go by lights we think we see. 

While praying for the best, content 

Ourselves with what we have, and ask 

The Father's blessing upon that 

'•By spirit 
Of concession have we yielded our wills 
In deference to what we all conceive 
The general good. If this most noble 
Patriotism lives forever in our hearts, 
No danger then of failure in tjie end. 
When that from any cause decays, or 
Mixes with itself a drug: Avhcn that affeetion 
For our government wiiich now we hold 
And cherisji in our inmost hearts. 
Becomes alloyed with leaser nu'tal. should 
Such ever be, disintogration tlien begins 
And sure decay. But let its pi-ay 
For better thinirs. and train oui- children 
In the snbfu)! of (Jhri-stJMn lov<» — i-)h' art 
Successful of true faith in God and His 



104 MYllIORAMA. 

Divine arrangement?. From contemplation 
Of th' imperfect standard man sets up 
For rule of faith and worldl.y practice, these 
Reflections come, and it were wise to heed 
The lessons they impart. 

'• On freedom's way 
We've far advanced, and what we've earned 
In God's good will, hy years of patient vratch 
And toil we gained. " We're masters of 
Our liberty now, though long in doubt 
And pain we've struggled for it. 
The star of Independence lit our path 
Through all the troublous years, and now 
We clasp the jewel to our hearts and hold 
It there. Let not disscutions rise 
Within ourselves to wipe forever from the earth 
The labor of our hands. Revere the hope 
That led you on. and never for an instant 
Leave the charge in undeserving hands. 
So praying and deserving, shall v/e ever be 
The watchful care of Him wlio promi^eth 
Reward to tliose who serve Him steadfiistly. 

"But now, agreed upon the general plan — 

Two open questions left — much work 

In detail still remains. A chart to guide 

Us in our voyage must be dr;iwn. 

That we may steer our course aright. 

Such now T give to yon, with reasons for it. 

For good of man his Father hath decreed 

Some rules for his obedlenc<^ In forms 

Of varied kind these rules are grouped 

Together by hut human architects, and such 

As they construct tiiey designate 

So many forms of government. 

In each of them tliere's good and evil mixed. 

The part of wisdom llieu. it seems to be 

To take from each wluit good we can 

And mould it into ours. The true 

Philosophy of life is bold eclecticism. 

Like bees from poison flowers extrncting sweet, 

The wise man tak(^s from everything 

Around him all the good he can. 

And lets the evil pass; so now will w«. 



MYIMOIIAMA. lOSi 

" With iron rod tho Monnrrh rules: 

But tliLii his rule is steady — tixed. 

And that, pro tempore, is so much jrood. . 

When from the many do a few extruet 

The power, tiiis, thou<<h mixed with many 

Flagrant wrongs, gives tone nnd high 

Respect to concentrated learning, while 

It robs the poor of mnny a right. 

When all the power with the people rests. 

This guards them from the snares, and wroijgs^ 

And grasping avarice of wicked men — 

Ambitious out of place, though oftentimes 

The State is weaker for the icreater 

Distribution of its active power. 

"Beneath the surface of each structure 

Built for rule of men, one grand 

Pervading motive underlies the whole — 

The ruling principle of all. and that. 

To execute the will of him or them 

Who arc the source of power. Tliis includefi 

Within itself three separate heads — 

Departments of the State— whose duties are 

Distinct each from the other. One 

Does make the law; interprets it 

The second; and executes^ the third. 

"These with us by proper balance held 
Within their places in just equipoise. 
Each smoothly working in its groove. 
The other not\listurl)ing, yet they all 
Rj intimate relation joined unto 
A parent heart which gives them their 
Respective life in such a mystic way 
That one's disease infects tlie whole^ 
Will make a government more perfect than 
The world has ever known before. 

"The people, then, by proxy meet in houses two 

And frame their rule of lavv. As head 

To execute their will, a President 

Bv equal suffrage they elect; and then, 

When difference appears because of man's 

Imperfect work and nature, comes the Court 

With purest ermine clothed, which hears 



106 3IYIII0RAMA. 

The o-rievancc pro and con. and of the right 
Gives its oi»inion. Thuy, tiie end of all 
Good government is reached in these 
Distinet cU^piirtinents ot the pai-ent will. 
The good of .Monarch, in the President 
We get; whatever good, if aught there be. 
In Aristoeraey, tlie Senate gives us here 
Combined; and pure Democracy 
We see in House of Eepresentativcs. 

•'In charge of these three branches now 

I place tfnee guardian spii-iis here. 

And lirst, ;is maker of the law, that just 

And equal rule obtain, I designate 

Fair Lil)erty. To execute hei- will. 

And guard the fountain well from whence 

Her i'nspirarion springs — the written 

Constitution of the land. 1 name 

Bold Indei):Midence. and do give to hhn 

This ho)U)red charge. Then, i<nowing well 

Her chai-aeter is shield ngainst 

Corruption or apjiroach of wrong. 

I give the Court to Virtue for 

Her evei'lasring licritage. 

Go, noble trinity of earth, nnd spread 

Your blessings over fallen man's estate 

Whei'ever freedom has a home, — 

Virtue, TJberty and Independence.'' 

While yet the woids of Wisdom hung upon 

The air. a sound was henrci as of 

A summer wind apj)roaching where 

They sat. A bnnd of happy spirits, 

Bearing in their midst a cliild of 

Tender fojni. witii shining halo round 

His golden Juiir and thirteen stars 

U])on his bre.'ist. ciime near and hovered 

O'er tiie thousihttul e(nincil. From the others 

Separating now. faii- Fjrkkdom. bi-ight 

And beautiful from heaven's home, 

All ehul in rol)es of mingled white 

And line \\'\\]\ softened roi] in most 

Etiiereal sjdendor mixed, without 

A line to show wheie each began 

Or ended, but the three so perfectly in one 



MYKTORAMA. 107 

Were hleiK^od that all wore ^oen or nonc^, 
Came lower down, and in their niul.-t 
She placed her iniVint child, and spake: 

"I o:ive 3'ou now this cliild in elj:ir<xe. 
Eaeli star by vital rord nnto hSa tieart 
Is honnd. t)e!stro\ inu" o'le desti'oys 
The whole. Within yonr most devout 
Affections iet it nestle ^^■a]•^1. and there 
Forever .ijlow te.e bri<>htest. jewel of 
Your hearts. Erect it therr a citadel 
Secure from all attacks of wron.s;. 
And never, ni'ver. n<ncr let it die. 
His name is Union. " And she lefc 
It there. 

Then o'ently ^lercy took the h;ibe 
And pressed it to her heart and kissed it. 
To ea(di she tlien presented it. who kissed 
And lovin<i'ly carressed this symliol of 
Their liopes." His h;ind outstretching-, Justice 
Blessed the boy. whih' Liberty, with" 
Virtue at her side and Independence, 
Stood, and took b;q!ti^mal vows. 
While all the other spirits joined 
In solemn })romise these h:id made. 
To cherish and protect their sacred charge. 

Her mantle. ni<rhl-. now softly dropping' 
Over earth, amid the <r;itherin,<]f dews, 
And «iimmcrin,^li«ht of stars just 
Peepin.-i- out from heaven's drapery 
Behind, we leave the happy jiroup' 
Beneatli those sacred (dms'\\!;i('h overlook 
The s Ivery tide of Suscjuehanna \\ hile 
Around the child tliey all did kneel 
In feivent prayer, and Justice i^ave 
Expression to'their thou<rh'-s. " 

" G reat God 
Of heaven, our frail infirmities forgive. 
And hear our humble <.':ratit u<le for this 
Thy ,irracious blessiuLf. Spru-e to us 
Forever the protection and the nurture of 
This child. Give us proper w isdom to 
Direct, its foot'iteps in tb.e ri<iht. and faith 
In Thee to ;.Miard it from all luirm. 



lOS MYRIOKAMA. 

In all things do Thy holy pleasure teach us, 
And let usnot depart from Thee 
Nor disobey Thy law. Direct us for 
Our good, and from all evil. Lord, 
Deliver us and this our sacred trust. " 

*• Amen ! " uith simultaneous voice 
Broke forth the council all. and throu<;:h 
The distant evening' air came trembling back 
From happy angel voices, the echo till 
It died away within the deepening 
Night.— "Amen! Amen 11" 



MYRIOPwAMA. 109 



CHAPTER V. 

REMARKS. 

A bird's-eye view of the United States in 1P60 ; a- d their prog- 
ress in the arts and sciences; also the sruwinR diflferences be- 
tween the Northern and Soulhern people, and their causes ; tho 
enterprise and rapid growth of the North because of free insti- 
tutions prevailing, and tho tardy development of the South 
because of the existence of slavery; tho growth of liberal ideas 
and hate of slavery in tho North,.and the growth of slavery and 
the hate of abolitionist? in the South ; the rise of the Whijrand 
Democratic parties ; the power of slaveholders, and their manner 
of using it ; tho sudden change of parties in lf»iO ; the election of 
Mr. Lincoln President, and the consequent threat of secession 
by the Southern people. Tarcomcd represents the Democrats, 
and Laredef the Republicans, who are mainly governed by tha 
creed of tho old Federals. The causes of the great rebellion, 
and how the people were arrayed in reference to it. The politi- 
cal combinations of IHCO ; the Democratic party proper, under 
Breckinridge ; the " law and constitution " men under Bell ; the 
Douglass men. 

Another epoch in our history passed, 

We'll now take up the Ij're and sing the course 

Of time between the hiunching of 

Our gallant barque, and where it meets 

Its lac«t territic storm. 

With ample 
Rigging trimmed and pennant streaming 
At her mainmast head, the nation's ensign 
From her after boom, she plunges in 
The deep blue water, sending out 
The rippling waves in circle after circle far 
Extending out until they lose themselves 
In the mighty sea. In curving line she dives 
And cuts the watery crust away ; she rises up 
As graceful as a swan, and shakes away 
The spray. Her masts bright shining o'er 
Her painted decks, her sails unfurled' 



110 :viYlUOKAMA. 

To cntch the passlna: breeze. !ier crew 

All morry :is a nioiiiing hiril, s!k' stmts 

Upon her (.-niise. while happy voices iireet 

Her from the shore. Wirh ea«:y ^r;iee 

She luoves aloii^r her watery line. 

^'or stops, nor talters.— hnrstraiiiht on 

t>he i^liUes, anil troju her prow, the roaming spray 

Goes rolling olT. As tarther out she goe.N, 

Her timbers ereaU ani! tieml.le some 

As a wave eomes rolling 'eross her beams. 

And storms of Kngiisls w;irfare rnsh 

Upon lier bow ; but only for a tinu^ 

Slie trembles thus to ehase the nn intl away, 

And learn her true position. Slu- rolls, 

•And drifts a little to the: side, but soon 

She's right again, and rides njxMi 

Tlie bilU>ws queen, bhc wasiies from 

Jler bloody deeks all stains of strife. 

And plows again her furrow in the i\Q(}p. 

"Without a tiinbei- lost, or sail, or line. 

A little farther on she meets a swell 

Upon the gulf, and here again she roeks 

And rolls betinii's amid the wav«>s: 

But soon her gallant errw liaul in 

Her saiU and trim them for the gale. 

Away, like morning mist., ti»e eloiul 

lias drifted ot^", and steadily on 

Her voyage runs again t!ie vailiant eraft 

Unbanned, a !id stjonger t\n- the tight. 

Still farther on she smoothly sails," 

tier head to w estward proudly set, but elouds 

Uegin to gather rounvl her now. 

The sea, by some internal power ujoved. 

Grows tremulous and fretful :is 

Its snrfaee rises into ridges auvl 

Deeline.* again. Thus slowly undulating 

For a time, with sullen faee l)etraying 

Inward rage, then wavi's roll higli 

And threatening in the fa^^t approael'.ing niirht. 

The wind comes whittling ihn>ugh her rigging 

Now, and hail upon her elean swept deeks 

Fast falling ilou n in ilrcadtul stouv s. 

Her st;ilw.'.r( erew disabling as titey elimb 

Her treujbling ma>t> and iiold her to 

The storn\. Still higiier runs tiie maddenitig 



MYRIOllAMA. Ill 

Sea, ami fioiror eonios tlio wiiul and rain. 
She plunges lU't'p inro the suriiin^i- waves. 
Kieles throiiiili thetii and iip.»M thetn. — won down 
Amid thi^ yawiiiiiii- billows buried deep- 
Then elinibin^i^ up their side;;, and rollini]: o'er 
Their cre-t. s!ie ii*.>es. tiie sea upbonndinu' 
From her knife-like prow and ihis!iin<r otf 
In tbaminir spray, then tallin^ir seatterin-i 
O'er her frightened faee. as throu^'h 
The rollinii' deep she strn.uuies bravely on. 
All safe tiie boat; but yet the dreadtul whirl 
Of fast inereasinii" wind and peUijiii' hail, 
JStill harder beating on her tremblino- spars. 
Comes matUy on. 5?he liolds herself 
Yet proiuUy up— the noble ship — 
And boldly battle^ with the raging storm. 
As high or low. — to this or that side tossed. — 
She rules upon the waves. " A leak I A leak ! '' 
Cries mariner below. The pumps are manned: 
All hands are set to work; but then, just then. 
A mountain wave eomes rolling on and drifts 
The fainting ship far oil— far oiV— 
Amid the darkness of that awful night. 

" Lost? Lost? '* You ask? In time we'll learn. 

We'll now take up her log book and review 
Her progress tiirough tlie wave. We'll look 
At seenes she saw. and traee the eurrent 
Of events whieh kept her on her course. 
And take a bird's-eye view of all the land. 
The time wherein we take the view 
Is that at whieh the age ot these 
United States was four and eighty years: 
When in the glory of his manhood. Union held 
Respect of all the worUI. and ehallenged 
Admiration of unwilling eyes. 

From thirteen youthful States upon 
The olden map." hung loosely on 
Atlantic's shore, we now see thirty-six 
In grandeur grown, tar reaching toward 
The setting sun, o'erlapping mountains. 
Valleys, pl.iins and migiity rivers, to 
The e'asteru shoi-c of great Uueilic. 



Ua MYmORAMA, 

Ohio, on the north, with streams and forest!^ 
Kears her liead, willi Indiana at her side 
Who glories In her Tippecanoe; 
Then Illinois, all dotted o'er with plains 
Of waving grass; and on the lakes. 
With copper in her sates, sits Michigan ; 
And Minnesota, and Wisconsin next. 
With pines and lakes; tlien Iowa, 
Nebraska, with tiieir fertile soil; 
And ironclad Missouri ; to the west 
Her sister Kansas ;— Great Northwestern 
States are these. To soutiiwai-d too. 
And west, Kentucky with her gentle vales. 
And Tennessee with marble front; 
Then Alabama dressed in evergreen, 
And Florida upon tlie gulf: 
Then Mississippi with her tropic sands. 
And J.ouisiona's orange smile; 
Then Texas and her boundless prairies. 
With Arkansas and her network streams. 
The new States of the Sou:h While on 
The east, Vermont, Connecticut. 
And Maine, with all their thriving arts; 
And westward of the great backbone, 
Are Oregon, and Vv ashington. 
In native forests clothed, and south 
Of these the El Dorado of the west- 
Fair California, with her veins of gold. 
And larger yet than all of these combined. 
Unsettled tracts of fertile land lie out 
Upon the map to-(hiy we draw of this 
Progressive land. 

Eastward then of him 
The Father of the streams, our little 
Nation -lay. The center now, and every foot 
Within our own domain, majestic 
Mississippi rolls his ceaseless tide 
From sweet Itasca in the North to grave 
Of the Atlantic on the Soutli. 
The Hudson then, and Delaware, 
AVith Susquehana and rotomac. 
The James, and Alabama, with 
Ohio on the north, were giant rivers 
Of that early day. To these to-dav we add 



MYRIORAMA. 113 

A. thousand more. Missouri's turl'id tide, 
With all cue ^lant. feeders north and west; 
The llio Grande, and tlie Flatte; 
Arkansas too, and iled, with seoi'es 
Of equal size on eastern side of land 
We'd »iained since then ; while on tlie west, 
From out tiie Kocky Mountain cliifs, 
Columbia, and Oregon, with Shasta, 
^aeramenio and tiieir sister streams. 
Flow onward to the sea. AH this since then. 

With busy population teeming, wealth 
And eoniinerce spread on every hand, each State 
To others bound by ties of trade and great 
Community of interest, witli bri.<tlin<>" t\)rts 
Upon the coasts, and ships on every .sea. 
We see ttie land grown stron^i" and «^reat 
Within tiie age of one old man. 
Improved by every art inventive genius 
Could devise, progression marvellous 
Has left its foot-].irints plainly marked 
Wherever eye can see. Lipon* the winding 
Rivers, as they How throughout the great 
Domain and spread their fertilizing 
Moisture there, majestic boats by steam 
Propelled, ply back and fortlj in never 
Enuing rouml, with stores from every mart 
And nation lad« n. Across the busy land. 
Beneath the mountain ledges, o'er the plains, * 
And thi'ough tiie valleys, in a m^'stic 
Uetwork franied, long lines of traffic 
Keach their iron arms about, and steaming 
Trains with tieight of people and their 
Busy trade, go dashing o'er the quivering rails. 
The speed too slow of ancient coach, 
Or recent railroad car. for this 
Fast moving age, a quicker medium 
Of tiiought the nation pants to greet, 
Then Morse seis up his little iron thread, 
On which from plaee to pla(;e, and man 
To man, the news, with speed of light 
Goes flashing through the land, and t>tates 
A thousand miles apart are brought 
Within electric sight. In swarming streets 
Of towns, like bustling ants at work, 
8 



114 MYRIORAMA. 

From ]inn.«e to lioiise tho liuinan p^ironm 
Continuotis ponrs itself in roHinjr ('Mrs, 
And }i«i:ht Mhmi- l:tnips nt. ni.irhl, v. Uh gas 
Extracted t'vom thee;irth. In llclds 
Of yellow \vavin<j[ <)frain. wUli noisy ring 
The fast revolviuii: sickle strikes its teeth 
Where farmers real) their harvests ripe. 
Mechanics hitch the vStreams to wheels 
And bid them cut, and saw. and \veave 
What hy nnaidcd hand was (h)ne licfore. 
They make the cradles for tlxir childhood, 
And with the same machines the cofHns 
For their death, and beds to ense their dying. 
If water sill iifiiish and iinyieldinjj: proves, 
Beneath itssnllen face tliey build 
A lire, and force it into steam. 
Which, catehln:^^ up. they lead to wheels 
And stisrt them whirlinji in their work 
Of wetilth producinu: industry. 
The elements of nature round them laid 
In deep re|)(>se, they stir to life, and turn 
Them to some ustfful eni]. They harness up 
The lijjchtninii's spark, phlebotomize 
The earth, and navi;;:ite the air. 
From villafi:e, town, and city, everywhere, 
We hear the cli(dv of Printin<? presses ring 
Their rapid stroke, — so many centers of 
The restless mind— the movin«: sprin«i:s 
^Of all the busy world of work, from whence 
In radiatini:: streams of livinjj: thought, 
From day to day, newspapers, books. 
And journals Hood the land, and people 
Drink their spirit in. Through all 
This happy land, in mountain, valley, plain, 
N"o matter where, the Sabbath church-bells ring 
Their wtd(u>nie no'es. where Christians meet 
To pray; and there, beside them too, 
'Neath humble roof close slndlcred in. 
The country school-house stands, where children 
Learn to love their native land. 

'Tis thus 
We see that favored land from three 
To thirty millions gnnvn. of earnest men. 
With alT their strength and greatness eiirned 
By persevering industry and toil. 



MYIUORAMA. Ill 

In little more thnn lialf a cfMitnry. 

Oh, who that coiircmplales: ihis living scene. 

With all ils R|)<';ikini;- toiiij^iU's of deep 

Inspiriiijr thon<>ht. can ever cease to |)raise 

The Hand that nia(h^ us tree. Frond nalion, 

Then, with these thv happy people; may the stream 

Which hore thee on so fast. ?n'*er turn 

Its sweepin.u' current and enp^ulf 

Thee in its circling* eddies. Go pjoudly on 

Forever in thy pio^rressive march and teach 

The watchinjj; u orld wiiat worth in liberty 

And all her priceless train. 

All this the work that Progress did 

Whose tiehl of hiMornow enlar.ued 

Itself, and dreams of early lime 

Were amply verified. Il«! hroii^ht to bear 

Upon his earnest theme all avenues 

Of wealth and mind llial in the land 

There lived, and plied himself unceasingly. 

The path of Independence througli these years. 
With two shoi-t interruptions, lay 
111 pastures gj-een and |»h'asant. 
A right. I)y Kingcraft claimed, to rc-enlist 
By force the son>^ of Freedom who 
Aforetime paid him hom:'.ge. hut who now 
Renounced his name ami rule, to some 
Disturhance did givi; rise. The right 
Disputed, and resistance, such 
As freemen understand so w(dl to make, 
Presented, a skirmish line of brave 
Defenders formed, a tight or two 
Occurred, and Kingcraft left the lield. 
Again, the soris of Monte/uma liad 
With Independence some slight quarrel; 
But soon was it abandoned, and a slice 
Off their rich bordeis gave, as hostage 
That the war should never be renewed. 
With Aborigines, at times, some trouble came 
Because of mischief Avarice did. 
Nought else but these befell the smooth 
Career and great success of Independence. 

The Bacred charge the angels gave, 
To keep the Union free from harm, 



116 MYPJORAMA. 

Was nsoBt i'e]l<ri<Hi8]> observed. 

To full Hiid Dolih' iDitiihood jirowii, 

He looks behind him jsiid icnu'iiiliers nou^jht 

Ot ottered or of threaleiied hurin except 

In two or three res|)ects. While still i?i yoJith, 

A wi(d<ed mm was nii?=ed and threatened some 

Assault, was violent, nienacin^i^. but 

Brave Jackson, son of Independence, 

Paralyzed liie arm, and Carolina felt 

How SMcred was the youth, and with 

How much determination he was "guarded. 

Ao:ain, wiien older iirown, a strife. 

Because of claims that Avarice made 

And Capital which Ne^ros much concerned, 

Arose, and Union's life with serious 

Danger tlien was threatened. Spirit 

Of concession for tlie public good. 

Led on l)y Compromise, assisted by his friends, 

Cass, Clay, and Webster, Douglas and Calhoun, 

Allayed the fretful fervor of the time. 

Though Avarice had gained his end. On part 

Of those resisting his demand, tlie end, 

Bv Compromise obtained, was merely that 

Which lirst submission would have shown, 

And thus left Avarice master of the Held. 

To plant tlie seed of slavery in, he needed lands 

Thus far to Freedom consecrated. Tliis 

Refused by Blan<'-o and iiis sons, gave rise 

To the unpleasant state just named. By way 

Of settlement, it was agreed, a line be draw n 

Through territory now unoccupied, to which 

The verge of slavery might extend and stop 

At that. Tluis further danger was prevented; 

And with these exceptions, save, perhups, 

When young Missouri i)rayed admission to 

The sisterhood of !St:iies, no harm 

Had Union done to him. How much 

Of future ill did these foreshadow, we 

Will see in time. 

With warm, unceasing zeal 
Ambition labored, witli Progress 
Earnestly uniting all his etlorts to effect 
Within the land what we have seen was done. 
He kept the people ardently alive 
To ail the great necessity of watch 



MYRIOKAMA. UT 

And care for liborty. Tlis work the Innd 

Had stren^itlieiH'd in its ^ironing powt-r; 

Improved :uui lieauVilit-d as wolT. He s>ent 

His potent aid wiierever it was needed. 

Nor spared exci-rion for the people's happiness. 

In all departments of the Stare, his hand 

Did pnsh the car of Progress on. 

And sleepless <ruani he kept upon 

The distant outposts. But his elder sons 

Were dyin<? fast, and new ideas in the youth, 

By Avarice pj'uned and trained to his 

Contemptuous rule, degenerated from 

The ancient stock, and for a time at least. 

These reckless sons, much trouble brought 

And sore anxiety to him. Long years of peace 

And unexampled prospering had let 

A looseness gather on the reins by which 

The ancient t;tthers held their sons to duty. 

And many painful sores from this 

Resulted. But how, and unto what 

Extent this danger ran, will afterward 

Appear. 

Like flies upon the ox's skin, the sons 
Of Aborigines occasioned some distress 
Betimes, but back they went, and back, 
As Independence spread his tields. 
Much pain it gave them to recede from homes 
Of early life, and leave the graves 
Of their departed dead. They offered fight; 
But battled, checked, defeated", they i-etired 
West, as fast as Progress touched their lands. 
Poor Indian had sutfered less. 
His exodus more peaceful and inviting been, 
But Piide and Avarice did poison all 
His wounds. ?)y their insinuating virus. 
According to his promise made when last 
They met, protection guarantied 
By Independence was afforded strong 
As all his earnest care could give. 
But agencies moi-(^ subtle worked 
Divi-ion. hare, revenge and great distrust. 
This all had much to do with what accrued. 
The weaker party. Aborigines, declined; 
His people wasted rapidly away. 



118 MYRIORAMA. 

On every hand where Laltor could b(' found, 

Had Capit .1 spread out hi.s \vc:iirh. To him 

it niatteie;! not tor strife, or lend, or war; 

His force bene.atli the t-urfare worked 

Its leaven, and where hixiir}'. or ease. 

Or profit beckoned, tiu're lie labored with 

Success. His lite nliiq nitons, on sea 

And land his temples built, and with 

The aid of Pride and Avai-ii-e, »iave cause 

In after years for some complaint, and laid 

The seed' which afterward gj-ew up to curse 

Their work. His promise as to liberatinir 

Ne^iTos and his sons. foi\i::ot or disregarded long, 

He purchased up his race for toil 

In tields where grew tlic Southern King. 

Which, into fabric woven, clothed the people 

And made their children rich. 

New avenues of wealth this opened up; 

The < 'otton plant a source of great reward 

Becatne. He called on Progress for 

His aid, who furnished Wljitnej^'s Gin; 

And then, new life infused in heart 

Of Avarice, began a new demand 

For Negros -dud his children. Then 

From initive home and wilds, in great 

Ship loads, in chains and gangs, they came 

By force or promised good, to clear away 

"New fields, to sow and |)ick tlie golden tleece, 

That Avarice miglit be fed. His children grew, 

And fasrei'grew: in service more 

Degrading still were held. Their wives 

And ciiildren l)ought and sold like chattel things; 

Their brethren from the norih were brought 

To servi(tesuch as theirs, and thus 

The hollow pi'omise made was broke. 

The sun-lit fields of'tlie irolden South, 

Wliere waving pines and live oaks grew, 

Gave forth their sojigs of growing wealth, 

And poured their gold in tl e nati(»n's lap. 

Plantations now. like Engiisli feud. 

Grew up with large ciicumference. 

Where slaves, in litile vilhige quartered at 

The m m-ion bouse, did serve their masters 

Long and well. 

Sad day for him, the slave. 



MYRIORAMA. lit 

That pure and bettor impulse which 

Had rule(i when Council iast was ht-ld ; 

That proper sense of hiunan riir'nt 

Which promises 1 treedom to the meanest man, 

Was now by Avarice crnslied, and Neoros 

Bound to serve until, in God's appointed time, 

A better fate wouhl come; wlien Independence 

In his new <*ar(Hn- was phiced, and Union giv'a 

In charge of him and his devoted aids. 

The fate of Negros. thon<;:h unsettled left, 

^y all was not l)elieved in doubt. 

The words Ambition spake, — "The aim and end 

Of all our hopes is lil*erty for man/' were those 

Most eiierished and revered by all the founders 

Of our infajit nation; l)ut now, alas! 

The ancient fathers jjcone. a new impulse, 

By work of Avarice aroused, a chang-e 

Has wrouojlit amonof their children, and 

The freedom of the^slave is distant still. 

Indeed, tlie cuj-rent sets the otiier way. 

The fascinatin.ii' y:hire of wealth shines out 

On every side; tlie ease prosperity brings on 

To those who bask within its warmth. 

Allures the people on by qui<'k degrees 

To think of 1 ttle else than gain; while peace, 

With her attendant blessings, don't deny 

Them time for such vocation. 

Not nil, 
However, liad departed from the landmarks set 
By freedom loving sires. Many still remained 
To ancient creed devoted, and to them lielongs 
The fame of having kept alive the fire which 
Almost had died, it slumbered 'neath 
A crust, like ^^tua's burning flame, to be 
Eructed at tlie proper time. 'Twas these 
And their co-patriots, wtio dedicated all 
The great Northwest to freedom, and 
Protested 'g'^^i'i-^f' the spread of labor done 
By slaves at every step of its expanding march. 
'Twas these who fought Missouri back 
When witli her servants h(dd by law, she prayed 
Admission to the family of States; 
'Twas these opposed the acquisition of 
Dom lin for furtin'r use of slaves; 
'Twas these who wanted all the land 



120 l^IYKIOEAMA. 

For Freedom to enjoy ; Jiiul these who. not 

Witlioiit their iirejii(lic<v< 'g:iiiist the color of 

His skin, had alvvjiyf* nnderprood 

That Neofros was a' man.— go own«^d 

By Him. the FatTier of \\>i all. Ye.-^, these true sons 

Of Liberty remained, and worked 

For Xe^u^ros' «rood. Of these hereafrer. in 

A stormy period yet to come, we'll have 

Somewhat to say.' 

It happened that 
In eoiirse of time we siji<«:. a line 
Twixt North and South' was drawn, on either side 
Of wliicl). opinions, eroeds. and ]ia1>its of 
T!ie people ^rew diverirent. Tlie climate of 
The North, more ri^'^orous and cold; 
Of Sonth saluhrions and mild: 
The soil more monntainons and sterile there, 
More fertile liere. and ph'in ; how mnch 
With what we now describe the e had 
To do as cause, may readily be trsiced. 
The northern valleys, with their farminp" lands ; 
The strea?ns from mountain ledges p0Lirin<? down. 
Where mines of \\ealth lay hid. 
Made labor honorable, pleasan^^. and 
Remnnerative too. The nntiir(> of tlie cat;e 
Made populaMon den--e. and varied the 
Employments. The b'nds in little tracts 
Cut up where thrivin<r farmers made their homes, 
And aju'icnltnre jri-cw an active art 
With labor savino* implements. 
The cold and rig-or of the (dimate made 
T'le pop^e act've. and the quick 
Returninir clmtiiie of spa«oti taught 
Tiem promptness and economy, 
^s population thu= increased, the towtis 
And cities grew within eaclj other's call. 
Increased emplovment no\\- secured. 
The iri'owinir youth remained nt home. 
A thriving, busy, jealons people thus 
Grew up. wiM< school* and churches in 
Their mids*-. w ere labor w;i« rc^tfeeted, 
With eonal lioerty for all, and idleness 
Despised. 

In time, as population grew, 



MYRIORAMA. Mtt 

Meohrtnic art? difl multiply themselves. 

And every hand of ^'ciius plied its strength 

To build some object lor his neiirhbor's use; 

And learning too, became a common fund 

From which, with equal cost, the whole 

Community mi^clJt draw on terms 

Accessible to all. If enii<i:ratiny: to 

Another home, one left his father-land, 

He took away with him his restless. 

Active mind*; and tlins. \\ lierever Northern men 

Do consfregate, the little woi-ld around 

Them n)oves. Of slaves relieved in eariy time, 

Free labor has its worth to them ; they love 

And v»ill protect it. Its value well tliey know. 

As well as blight of contact with a forced 

And servile work. This constant, free, 

And unrestricted interroiirse; this easy 

Liberality of trade, equality ofrijxht, 

And ease with which a change of circumstance 

May be accommodated, nay. enjoyed. 

Has made these people what they' ai-e : 

Progressive, patient, frugal, artive, prompt, 

And greatly jealous of their rights. 

To southward of the line, in happy ease 
And luxury, a noble, genei-ous people dwelt, 
Where learning and refinement spi-ead 
Their fair adoi-nments out. — confined, 
However, to directors of the public mind. 
Their lands, in ricdmess unsurpassed. 
Their climate of dplightful air their forests filled 
With evergreen, their smiling valleys stj'ewn 
With native flowers; this happy combination 
Of design by Nature's all-wise Andiitect 
To beautify and decorate the sunny land. 
Impressed with ojreat effect its dilatory ease 
Upon the people's minds. They learned 
To love luxurious life, nnd turned away 
Disdainfullv from hibor and its Mains. 
Community was sparse, and wealth 
Absorbed the land. Tli*^ labor. mu(!h 
The greater part, by slaves performed, hecanse 
A menial drudire. on which the mister looked 
With warm disdain. The new-born child, 
When drinking in the happy sunlight of 



122 MYRIOEAMA. 

His early j'cars, hy cxt'.niplc ol liis father shown 

Acquired litibiis ol ( ( n.ij.niid. lie kaiiad 

That hil-or was a rule lor slaxes 

Belon the level of liis plasie; and not 

Accu.st( nied to the equal lu\\ of lubor and 

Reward obtainin<> in the jSoith, he kamed 

To look upon tiie hand that wrought as mean 

And only lit tor toil. By .<ueh 

Assoeiati(.n lon<>; enjoyed, he grew 

Averse in teelin^" to ilie bra\\ ny aim 

Of him wiio walked behind the jdow. or *nealh 

The broiling sun the heavy hoe did wield. 

To him was labor all alike that by the hand 

"Was done, and doing his by slaves, 

He looked upon all working men 

As under soc-ial strata — wbetber tree 

Or bond, but little mattsn- which, in such 

Respect. By slow degrees, fiom year to year, 

As slaves increased and multiplied, 

And agriculture widened out, so strong 

And deep tliis prejudice had grown. 

That he religiously believed his right 

To hold his fellow man in bonds 

Was authorized by God,— so w ritten in His Word. 

To make him better slave, liis darkcnd mind 

Hust never see the light of thought; and for 

His greater useiulness in all that he 

Was fit to do. no b.ook oi' dtingerous print 

Was he allowed to see. Because of this, 

The School House was a useless thing 

Save for the higber class; and closest watch 

Upon I he public mail was kept 

From fear imcndiary \Aords or prints 

By accident or i)ay. might reach 

The hidden. tirn>(ing soul of slave, 

And ])reed disti-ust ::niong tbe sei vile race. 

Increasing at a lapid rale, such teelii g sirew 

Until tbe whole society at South did lest 

Upon this false idea with slavery for 

Its coiic)- stone. 'Tw as otlierw ise 

In <'arly tinu's when l>etter counsels ruled — 

When i\iatii^< n and Rand»)lj)h ived, 

And purer bh'{«d of aiicient stock 

Ran through the people's veins. The change 



Mi^llIORAMA. 123 

Grow up ill y(ii\Y>. — so imp^TCcnlibly 
It came— that lliev v, ho most heiieuih 
Its influence did rest, would most 
Persistently deny ic. until th' entire mass 
Was fully leaven'ed. Thus hy slow de<?rees, 
Without themselves ol»servin<r it. tlie people 
Grew most jealous of this social pet— 
This favorite institution, and in their midst 
Denied, with earnestness and hate. 
The right to question its propriety. 

Except this sin.L^'iLir delusion.— tlie v/ork, 
As we have said before, of Capital 
And Pride, with Avarice com I lined, — 
The people ^rew in so<'ial lite relined 
And nobl(> hearted. More easy in 
Their manner and deportment, to old 
Established usa*2,e they tenaciously adhered 
And clianged with jrreat reluctan<'e. The arte 
And busy progress of the North received 
But little of their thou<;-ht. The only arts 
They cultivated wilh success were tliose 
Of goverrnnentand livin;^ well. Of that 
Persistent hum of industry which ruled 
And permeatcil all tiie North and made 
it rich, tliey liftie knew: the varied work 
To every hand t^icre suited, and had u)ade 
An honor out of toil, was here unrecognized. 
Their only work was a!j:riculture, and that 
Oontined to staples few. 

The ;»eninl warmth 
Of atmospliere. and tropic nature of 
The soil. be<jfat impulsive passions; and 
The forced olx'dicnce of the laboring; class 
Gave rise to arbitrary and controllin<x will. 
A bold and hauirhty people came of tins. 
Resistance to their will with little ease 
Endureil; accustomed to abje<-t obedience 
They were not apt to compfoniise. 
Opposed in nature as was this to great 
Development. an<l pro<rress as its sure 
Result.— wiiile l)1cst with much superior 
Advant tires in all that nature did. 
Improvement came but slow ly, and 



124 MYEIOKAMA. 

A clannish spirit frrew nniou*:: 

The iulii)L><l:iss. Willi Tarconied's 

Philosophy their cretnl <U politics. 

The value and the wei^ilirot (iiizen. 

By standard new was njeasured.— that. 

The number of his slaves and acres of 

His hind. By force oi culture and 

Of orjianized design, thouj^h few in numher to 

The whole conipa led. the masters o-j-^vv a strong 

And rulin^i" power in tiie land. Between 

Them and their slr.ves. in humhle plane 

Some sous of Blanco stood, as niU( h ahove 

The l)ondm;in r;iised as they were rich or poor, — 

No more, no less; and these in numbers vt'ere 

Mmdi jjfi'eater than the slavehohh'i-s hut yet. 

In power y:reatly less. They voted, hut 

It was the vote of them who ruled. 

In population just one-third, while in 

Extent of huul they'd twice outo-rown 

Theii- nei<rhl)ors of* the North, and close upon 

The line between, as North or South it lay, 

Pe<rau a lapid or impeded progress in 

The land. 

'Twixt Lnredef and Tarcomed, 
"We've seen, a vaiiance existed as 
To art of oov(rnnient. Tw o noKdc sons 
Had eacli. To l.aiedef w eie Ilaniiltcn 
And Webster, and to Tarcomed, 
Were driven .leflcrsou. and then Calhoun. 
The elder, tlu-n tlie younjier of each stock, 
"With jrreat succet^s and eneroy as well. 
Their various doctrine taught. To each 
"Were proselytes united astlie nation crrew. 
And these iri every quarter of the land were found.- 
In time the body of the peoide. 't\Neen the two 
Divided into two sluf)en(h^ns lenfjues. — 
The proud old Democratic and the AYhi<r. 
First one, the other then, the ccumtry ruled, 
But much the lai<>er slun-e had Tarcomed, 
By reason of his plausible del)ate: 
He i^layed upon the people's love of Liberty. 
As shiverv had iixreased and spread 
Itself, and masteis thus becnnM^ a balance power,— 
Their wei<iht suiTi( ient to depiess 
■Whichever end of scale they pressed, — 



MYRIORAMA. 125 

Both Tarcomefl and Laredef became 
Enanion'd of their influence nnd ooiirfed 
It accordingly. Repented pledges each 
Had made ot true tldeliry to this 
Fast risini;: power, and in time, as closer 
Grew its liold upon contendintj- parties. 
Its rein drew liMrder in. until, in later years, 
It held the nation in its tightening grasp. 

We've taken now a hurried view of all 
The laud in physical iniprovenient, 
And have traced and sketched the working of 
Each separate principle beneath the crust 
Where silently it lay atid did its chosen work. 
We've seen the two'gieat parties politic 
Absorbing all the mass, dividing on 
The line 'twixt Laredetand Tarcomed; 
We've seen the growth of power slavery 
Had built, and how it held its rule; 
We've seen the growing wealth of northern 
Enterprise, and rapid spread of its 
Increasing love ot liberty and equal law; 
We've noticed the diverging lines of thought 
And habir Norili and South with their 
Attendant consequences, and we've seen 
How witlely separate and unlike they ran. 
It novv^ remains to look at the result 
Of all these several principles and facts, 
Commingled as they are and mixed 
In general mass. We'll then survey 
The moral Held and see in what 
Condition as a whole, the people were 
At time whereof we write. 

The Northern line 
Of States, long since relieved of slaves. 
Had learned to look upon the system as a curse 
And growing blight; in churches and in schools 
This sentiment was educated till it grew 
A working force; and when demands were made 
For further spread of slavery's area. 
Resisted them and thus created strife. 
Then, on the other hand the South had bought 
Her slaves; she learned to love the system well; 
She thought it right, and taught her children so. 
Her lauds, by careless cultivation, 



!«$ MYRIORAMA. 

Wastod fast, and new iinfl oHkm- fields 

To put her slaver*, soon came in ^Jireat 

Demand. Upon onr west and southwest lay 

Large tracts of land unoccupied. Of these 

Did slavery demand an <'C]u;d share 

With freemen of tlie Noi th. lesistance 

Unto which much prejudice and hare 

Betrayed. A fee!in<»' ion,i»- had ^row^n 

Of bitterness on part of 8outii toward all 

The friends of Ne«^ros wIjo did ar^iue for 

His freedom, and now an open warfare loomed 

In great proportions in the near approaching time 

Because of this disturbing question, whether 

Labor free or slave, or both combined, 

Should hold possession of the land in view. 

Ill last great contest 'twixt the two 
Contending parties of the State, did Laredef 
Give way to Tarcomed in most 
Disastrous rout; and as his tlying hosts 
Lay scattering about, this quarrel 
Of the Labor feud enlisted their attention. 
Heretofore, in South as well as North, 
Had dwelt the sons of Laredef. and all 
With equal zeal liad followed long 
His leadership; and so with Tarcorned. 
But change, hovt^ever, now approaching near 
With wondrous speed, did bring about 
Another state of things. The Southern sons 
Of Laredef al)andoned him. and joined 
The army of Great Tarcomed. A few 
Of Tiircomed's disciples in the North 
Now sympathised with the defeated ranks 
Of Laredef within the Nortli, that dwelt 
And tliese two forces now combining. 
Adding to their strength the steadfast band 
Whicirnevcr compr«>mised with slavery, 
Determined battle with bold Tarcomed, 
Althougli his ranks were re i?» forced 
To great proportions; and, musteiing all 
Their strcngrh, enlisted 'neath the Banner of 
Fremont. 

The contest short, decisive, left 
Buchanan master of the. field, and for 
The time was reign ot Tarcomed supreme. 



MYRIORAMA, ISf 

Not lost to hope however yet, a short 

Quadrennial [)eilo(l ran its round. 

And Laretlef was ea«i:er lor another fight. 

His followers now resolved on slubl orn war. 

Great Tarcomed to»"etlier (tailed his sons 

In mio:hty council, from the South and trom 

The North, and East and West, to look upon 

The troubled sea. and lix upon a plan 

Of warfare 'gainst the arms of I.aredef. 

The feud so bitter grown wherein the claims 

Of Negros deeply were concerned, did now 

Appear with threatening aspect in the midst 

Of this unterrified nssemblv. That feeling which 

Had driven women from Virginia's soil 

Who dared to teach tlie sons of Negros how 

To read God's Holy Word ; that chased 

From Carolina's ancient mart a gray 

Haired veteran of the land because 

He hated slaveiy in his very heart. 

Blew blazing up. dispensing firebrands 

About; and failing to agree, the council rose 

Divided into parties three. The northern wing 

By Douglas led, because of their position 

Being midway 'twixt extremes, were strong 

Allies of Laiedef. Another, led by Compromise, 

Composed of weak-kneed sons of Laredef 

Both iNorth and South, proclaimed 

"Enforcement of the law," but failed the law 

To state; the third were veteran troops 

Of Tarcomed who fought for •• Southern rights." 

Against these three, the hosts of Laredef 
Made valliant war, with Lincoln at their head. 
With *' Freedom in the public lands" upon 
Their banners set for watchword in the fight, 
They moved their columns up and formed 
Their battle line. The disatfected armies. 
Dissevered from bold Tarcomed, were much 
And seriously in his way to sure success; 
And thus reduced in numbers and in strength. 
Compelled to strike at disadvantage, he 
Withdrew, defeated for the time. 

Defeat 
Was not a common thing to Tarcomed, 
Ami this distressed iiim sore. He called 



138 MYRIORAMA. 

His captains to lus side in soU'inn meeting held, 
And with thein spoke in ]on>j: determined speech 
And eloquent, wliieli lired up the Southern heart, 
And like a whirlwind eatchin<i- up a straw, 
Did carry ofl'tlieir better and their older sense. 
With one aeeord, they then and tliere resolved 
To break the Itands which heretofore had bound 
Them to the North, and to dissolve 
The Union of their fathers; tiien, like men 
Determined in their work, did set about 
To do it. 

Lincoln, victor as he was, 
And youngest son of Independence, svvorn 
Before Almijjhty God, ))y virtue of 
Inherited eoninusnd. to suffer none 
Of harm to come upon the Union placed 
"Within his keeping" tor the time to come, 
Advised his father of the troublous state, 
And prayed his counsel what to do. 



MYRIORAMA, 129 



CHAPTER yi. 

REMARKS. 

Tho stormy period botwoen tho olection of Mr. Lincola, and 
the capture of Fort Sumptor by tho Roboli?. The efforts at com- 
promise, and th«ir success ; tho appeals made to the South ; th« 
determination of tho Slave power j tho admonitions of the pru- 
dent, wise and iust; a full portraiture of the public eonditioo 
at that time : tne death of slavery foreshadowed. Taropm©* 
draw represents that class known as War Democrats, led by 
Stephen A. Douglas; Lartuon represents the Neutral, or *' Arm- 
ed Neutrality" men of the Border States ; Namecaep represent* 
the Peace men of the North, many of whom fled to Canada and 
England, to avoid mixinR in the war- EntcrDrise represent* 
vrhat the word itself means; Redlohovals is the Slaveholder; 
Blanco, the white laborer ; and Negros, the slave. Mr- Lincoln'* 
Inaugural Address, and subsequent call for seventy-five thous- 
and troops. 

Again we look. There Union stands : bis breast 

Bespangled with the stars first planted there 

And with them many more of recent growth ; 

In all are six and thirty now. His form 

To manhood grown, developed full 

In every part, was perfect and complete. 

His hair, now longer grown, was dark, and liiin«^ 

In flowing ringlets from his high, well rounded 

Head ; bis eye was deep and peerless blue ; 

His shoulders broad and square, on either side 

Of deep, expanded chest. From neck to waist. 

In loosely gathered folds, a scarf of blue 

Did hang; from waist to thigh, in vesture red, 

And limbs in snowy white. 

Before him, in 
The grandest attitude, his flambeau holding still 
Within his bold right hand which rested at 
His side, stood Independence as a guard. 
On either side of him and somewhat to 
His rear, in form a full triangle, stood 
9 



130 MYRIORAMA. 

Fair Liberty and Virtue with their saerecl charge 
Between the three. 

Behind the trio and 
Above the plane on which they stood, 
In his accustomed state, sat Justice on 
A throne of brilliant color mixed of red 
And white and blue. To riglit and left 
Of him, descending to the plane on which 
These symbols were, and running some beyond, 
In semicircle formed around the three 
Who guarded Union, thus the spirits were 
In place. To right of Justice, Wisdom lirst. 
Ambition next, then Progiess. on a line 
Of front with place where Independence 
^Stodd; then Mercy sat, and Blanco next; ' ' icii 
J Tlien Laredef, and next, in plainest garb. ^q 

.iWas Enterprise, the restless son of Capital; 'lol) 

ii Then Tarcomedraw, northern son f^^^ 

'■Of Tarcomed, and like his father much \,^j'; 

. ,ln all that shows descent. He wore a loos^ ' >]?■ 
fe.:Short mantle- swinging from his waist. ■ Ii^ 

i"Of scarlet. Next was patient Compromise., - - ^ ; ''^[] 

■ 'To left sat Capital, and Avarice next; i : -v ^,,i) .o'ja«lH 
Then Pride and Aborigines, with Negroa ri«ixt^'S"^al' 
And Tarcomed. Sat Redlohevals then .-;>->U;ar. 
The southern son of brave old Tarcomed,, ,. . ^ . 
And robed in, cloak of black from his ' '} ']''' ^'^^'}^.^ 
Shoulders down, beneath the which, conceal^^-'r'^^ 
His sword was hanging sheathed. 'Twas he/J;/'-'^^ 
That owned the slaves^ Then Kamecaep, soa' "/- ^{^ 
Of Tarcomed ; bis home was also in the uortU^''^ ^* 
Then Lartueh the son of Compromise. ' ''W^.^jl 

. -^ •:• i(v;( /.-oi; .•tl£ilfelIT 

Addressing now the Circle in a tori'^f^"''^ i^tihroll nl 
Of deep, resounding eloqluence, -• '^, '>v'> ?jn ;miyi 
Thus Independence opened the debate ':'^'>'"'^' '««'** 

"Again in Council, brothers, are we met '. f^ 

For sternest thought and high resolve. '^ 

When first the child with his bespahgled breast- "'^ 
Was given us in charge, most sacredly 
We sware a solemn oath to cherish and ''""'/'•'• -.'\'!*; 
Protect his stars. By the baptismal f^''' |'!''J'.|} 
Altar stood we sponsors at his ohristeniU^. ''^y'f- '■'!* 

{:c)f»l?. .of^j.nni'iJ Uff\ /: miol nl ,i!\^i ?.JII 





MYRIORAMA. 13X 

And took upon us vows to train him in ^^* 

His j'outh, and not for?ake his manhood. . _, 

Thus far, inviolate we've- kept oiif wo>d.''''*''' '''' !J^ 
Calhoun once raised his wicked Itaiid'; ' "'" "'^^.■' .'V* 
To pluck a star, but palsy met the stroX-^; ' -y 

Once voun^ Missouri gave us some concern ; , JJ 
And Redloiievals threatened harm" '' "; ■'■ ",',''"';' 
When California hung her light ' ' ''f.j-iM.liK^i v/ojl 
Upon that golden breast. By watchful tit^ff^^ Jy 
And vigilance incessant, have we saved '^^, ',. j-j; 
Our sacred charge unto this day. 'Tis noW" ' '\'' ''.if 
Proclaimed that Tnrcomed, dissatisfied' "^^ 

Wi*-h law his judgment once approved, 
Resolves secession from the sisteriiood 
Of States, and claims the right to sever from 
Their cords sixteen of Union's Stars. Unto 
His heart by vital thread each cine is bound ; '/. 

If one were gone; then Union dies, and.that ' .,' 
We've sworn sliall never be. If this repbi't ',''"!{ 
Be true, let Tarcomed declare, that if tlVecau^e''^'*^ * 
Appear a just demand unsatisfied. , „^ 

It may at once be heard with dUfe'res^f)ec,t'"^^I'*'\"J ^* 
And such consideration given it '. ''■ "'H''*! .'^,''/'/^f» 
As justice shall require." ■ ' • . ■'■•■'>*J 

Said Tarcomed : "When first \ve met •*; 

For common good to make a fundamental law ,": 
Foi- future government, a vital question ro^e ",1 
Twixt La^edef and me. By reason 6f' ''r<!«/'q o/il 
The r gent need of union then because * ''^ 'M '''••'■;; 
Of wealiness in our youthful and divided <tate, * 
And from suggesttons^made by Compromise, . Ij, 
We signed the bond, and left the matter itt '^\ ' "\\ 
Dispute unsettled and unfixed remain. "''''\ ''?,;' '?ir 
The question was, in case the central powef^^e^,'^ 
Too strong and jeopardized the'Tighr^ re.'^erve^. 
If states at will might deerntliis. cause ,,., 

For just complaint ^nd cut the bands '.■,■'.' ,' ' ';!} 
Which bound tliem to it. Such case is ndw. ' '!'? 
Presented in the law. The strength of Utii<rn* Pi^Wi 
Augmented now, by power of his'might ' ', ',;;'\t, 
Does threaten to direct that public land.t^ ^'"'\' !\'"^-irt 
By blood of mine no less rhan yours ■ ' ''"'^ ^"' *J{ 
Obtained, be kept forever fre(^ from foot ' l"'*'^'^^? 1} 
Of Redlohevals uiid hlfe 56ris',wlt3T Alav"* \ 

t,o«>*:'^;'i ■■' ■■■■■■ ■■■•■■ ' : 'i 



132 MYRIORAMA. 

To tin their ground. By common right 

Of law, we claim an equal share 

Of all the land unoccupied for use 

As we see reason to appropriate, 

Without report of what we do. 

Now Enterprise does claim unsettled part 

Of what the nation owns for his support, 

And Blanco urges on the claim. 

While Laredef sustains him, and 

The Government as well. To this do we 

Object, and think the protest just. 

The right to take his slave wherever law 

Of Union reigns, and have protection there, 

Is urged by Redlohevals as his lawful right. 

If that's denied, I hold as purest law 

Secession is his remedy, and I'll support 

Him in the rio:ht. Demand is thus 

Presented and the law set forth." 

To Independence was this statement made, 
And he replied in this wise : "Mistaken thou, 
Good Tarcomed. The Government is not 
A party to the controversy named. 
The tiling demanded is a proper case 
For public argument, and then 
For settlement as those who own the lands— 
The people of the whole United States- 
May in the end determine. They shall first 
Decide by lawful ballot which is right, 
And then the Government will act. 
The People now are parties ; 'twas they 
Created central power to execute their will. 
And that must needs be known 
Before an execution issue." 

"The current now 
Kuns strong, — " said Tarcomed, " toward such 
Result. 'Tis not so much what has been done 
As what in future may arise from present signs, 
That we do have our fears. The iMt election 
Turned upon this point, and though the major part 
Of all the voters who opposed the winning chief, 
If concentrated, could control the law. 
Yet by schism and distracting zeal 
My forces were divided and I lost the prize 
For which I fought. Opposed, 'tis true, the faction* 



MYPJORAMA. 133 

Were against the Xorthern chieftain and 

His band, but still they weakened me ; and then, upon 

This very right which here I claim, my army was 

Destroyed. When Douglas blew his battle-horn, 

A large and useful force enlisted in his train ; 

And pale-faced cowards struck my flag 

For Law and Constitution. Not for^ 

They are against me, and this is sign 

I dare not overlook. Assembled now, 

I press my claim,— demand my right. " 

" Most noble Tarcomed, " said Laredef, 

" We've long been warm, devoted friends. 

On many a hard fought field, opposing have 

We met in battle, but in friendship, not 

In anger was the warfare waged. We fought 

To ascertain whose right to hold the reins 

Of government for four short years was best; 

And in our bloodless wars, to deviate 

From what upon the field was fixed. 

Was farthest from our mindst 'Tis there 

We see the beauty of our law. In parties do 

The people range themselves, for peaceful war, 

If such anomaly can be, and thus 

Decide with approbation of the law, 

Which, for the coming term, shall ride the car 

Of State. The contest won by one, to him 

The other does submit in all good conscience, and 

Because that is the law. Thou seemest now 

Somewhat in anger grown. I pray thee let 

It pass from off thy candid face, and hear 

The truth from friendship's lips, when I 

Declare, no change from ancient rule 

Is now in contemplation. If rightly have 

I understood thy ancient creed, it was. 

That he should stand at head whose force 

In numbers did exceed the sum of any one 

Opposed. Is such the case ? " 

And Tarcomed 
Inclined his head in recognition of the truth. 

" In last engagement, then, the larger force 
By Lincoln led, is by the ancient rule 
Entitled to command ; and thou, by creed 
Unto thyself acknowledged as supreme. 



IM MYKIOKAMA-.Z odi iiAmi-.iin avj^f 

-!••' .-<...:-» >;H 

Art bound to dutil'ul obedience. T 

IVe ask up more from, thee than this. " . ■ • :• -U 

',,; ' ; i !, . '-But ^vhe«j/^•.f>:u:l A 

Said Tarcbiried, "the governmeut assanies • -of/;^ r 1.,^ A 
Dictation where bj^ law it has no ri2:ht, '■{ 

And people are n^^rieved thereby, the case T 

Another aspect wears,— majoriiies., ..> ....-,.... I 

In such a case, must yield to what i* lawwff j y.cu f.^-yrq I 

♦'Dictation such ae thou presum'st has not 
Been made, " said Laredef. 

"But it 

Is entertaine<l, and may, at any time, >' 

When least we're able to resent its reach, ^ 

Be exercised," said Tarcomed. ? 
•* 'Tis future? overreaching power tliat 

We most do fear. '' A 

'' Thou art informed, " A 

Said Laredef, " by him who never yet 'I 

Deceived thee, that in this seeming fear, v^ 

Thou art mistaken. Dost thou now or not I' 

Believe the statement thus in candor made ? " ; 1 

'I 
In answer, " No ! I don't believe, " said Tarcomed. ..'7^ 
•' Approaching danger comes like a summer atorm!?-. lO 

gure evidences go b^eforc. 'Tis written iu '-'T 

The very air we breathe. To me more certain 'I- 

These tlian words, however candid, spoke vHl 

By mortal mouth." f.iui ^I 

'-Thy fathers in -1 ffiT 

The olden time, " said I^aredcf, •' with t'uy «r 

Consent, did promise, and made solemn vow, f 

That but a few short years, and only few, I 

They'd claim a riglit of property in man. T 

So universal was that thouglit. that no -.. 
Sucli word as ''■slave, " is fo\ind within 
Our written law. By mere consent, 
For present peace and general ^ood, 
As tlicn appeared, it was oermitted 
To remain untouched. Wliat then was iAM« 

Accorded, now as law and rigiit i^s claimed. " , iC 

: ,■: [ 

"The time lias not yet come to yield, {\:■^ii 'M-^ni, 
gaid Taroomed. 

-To yield what we permitted then. 



MYRIORAMA. ,1?5 

We do not noNV demand. But this wc do : .. . r,;^;, f,ji^ 

That promise then ?o fairly made, to t!Uii| .;;;;. ' , mIV/ 

Extent at least shall he performed ; — ./j, r" |' , ; ;.,,'/ 

That nothinii: more shalt thou require: 

For, if required it shall be refused. The time 

Has comeUor earnest work. 'Tis not 

The holding and the use of Negros where ^.^^V^j'ju.j.fj^y 

The law does now permit it, that we do ,',j, ixKuIblid') 

Oppose, but 'tis the ritjjht you claim to pladj?-, r.iiout-^'iV 

Him in the lands where freedom reigns. * >j,|r,{) 'fjoiiT 

To this we don't cons^^it." .< •■ ' ■■ "^ 

ov/ r'f.'Wo'er all the land,"— 

Said Tarcomed, — " the Constitution reigns, : yf 

On public lands no less than ancient State; , ,/^ 
And that, is binding as ihe law supreme, 
Protects the right I claim." 

" Freedom is the rule,-— 
The public, general law, " said Laredef. 
*' And slavery the exception. It lives by mere 

Permission, not by law. Instates n-A^. 3<>'/L 

Already organized, the rule obtains . ')/,';( ^ii 

That public faitli, once pledged, shall lend ' ,,fjx 

Its aid to hold it there until, according to yj£ 

The early promise made, the people shall i//^ 
Abolish it. Such pledge for territory free. 

Was never given, then, or now, nav will , tf 

It ever be. " ff" 

"The remedy is then secure," i-n 

Said Tarcomed. " The bond upon your part (/p 

Is broke. A breach of covenant I urge JT 

Against the chieftain of the Xortli. and now \f^ 

Declare secession is my {only hope. " 'r](r^ 

*' But hold, " said Laredef, " the remedy 

You urge, with greater reason we resist. 

We hold you to your bond, and sliall expect 

Submission to the legal rule. Your faith 

Is pledged to this; your hand is written on 

The seal. We'll not disturb your peace 

Where now j^ou dwell so happy with your slaves. 

But not an inch of public land, now free, . i ,.;:!• 

Shall ever foot of slave pollute ; nor yet i\ il-wlT 

In feverish fear, shall foolish passion be 

Permitted to destrov the noble work 



186 MYRIOKAMA. 

Our fathers did." 

Then Enterprise spake up 
And said : ''My home is in the busy North 
Where all are free, and toil is made a high 
Vocation. There, we know of purchased 
Sinews, bones and blood but what wc learn 
From southern sons of Tarcomed. By labor do 
We live, and move by labor's just reward. 
Our children teach we industry from early 
Childhood up, and thus we make an active, 
Vigorous class. Our people grow, and spread 
Their fields at magic speed, and soon will need 
More lands to build their cities on. To west, 
Upon the nation's newest plains, we soon 
Will need migrate, and will not there compete 
With slaves. Our brothers of the South 
Are welcome there on equal plane with us. 
But not with men in bonds. In freedom's ways 
We've long been trained, and cannot now 
Consent to labor by the side of slaves. We're proud. 
But 'tis because we're free. We want 
The western lands for common use of men, 
Not slaves. We ask no right where now 
By law the master holds the lash, 
But do insist that there it shall remain. 
By fair and ]egi\\ means this point we've gained, 
And most persistently will claim it." 

With fiery indignation Eedlohevals spake. 
"What right, bold Mudsill of the vaunting North, 
Hast thou to claim superior hold 
To mine upon the unappropriated lands? 
This brazen impudence is hard to bear; 
And were the distance 'twixt us not so great. 
My wratli might vent itself. To make thyself. 
An equal with my slave, thou'dst rob me of 
My lawful right, and break the country's peace. 
A people who would thus permit their serfs 
To speak where noble men do sit, are fit 

Companions tor a servile race. Away ! 
I'll hear no more of this. I'll tear my stars 

Away, and leave the dastard league." 

*'Thj^ braggart threats," said Enterprise, '-have lost 
Their force by frequent repetition. Once 



MYRIORAMA. 137 

Thy high disdain we feared, and courted thy 
Approval. Now, 'tis otherwise. Not proud 
Beyond our plane, we simply state our case; 
But by persistent madness do you strive 
To misconstrue our meaning and our words 
To misappropriate. Again, and for 
The last time now, I state, that for 
Your own security in right of slaves 
Where now you hold them by the law, 
In order to perpetuate our word. 
Do we agree that in our fundamental code 
Shall be Inserted that agreement, so 
Your petted institution may not die 
By our hands, if you'll but keep it off 
The public lands. Will that suilice ?"' 

"Present to me an open blank witli all 

Your craven signatures affixed, that 1 

May write my terms above them, and I'd scorn 

Your low appeal and spurn it from my presence. 

With people such as you in neigliborhood 

As partners, longer I cannot remain. 

My honor is at stake, and I'll witli(fraw 

From such debased companionship. 

Our stars sixteen I now demand, that we 

May do with them as pleascth us." 

And boldly forth toward Independence then 

He walked while reaching out his hand ahead, 

But stepping quickly up, Ambition bade 

Him pause. 

"Hear me a time," he said. 
"This foolish resolution tliou hast formed. 
In later time will give thee much remorse. 
I pray thee now recall thy step, and think 
Of what may come of such a rash intent, 
If thou attempt to execute it. Tliou knowest well 
The solemn oath we've sworn to save 
The life of Union, and as well thou knowest that 
To pluck one star from off hi.s golden breast 
Would deaden all his life. We cannot, and 
We will not l)reak our oaths. Think, oh I 
Proud brother, think of all our glorious past, 
So crowned with noble deeds and great; 
The memories of the holy dead, around ^^^ 

That sacred symbol clinging fast . .^ 



188 IIYKIOKAMA. 

. . . L 

Like tendrils to the sturdy oak. The Banner of • \ /\. 

Our iincient love llo.ats o'er us yet, d 

And millions pray beneath its starry folds. ii 

Forget not this; and think what deeds T 

Together have we done • what vict'ries won ; -lui uT 

'W nat good achieved ; what hopes we've reached, - 1 'kIT 

While in our breezes floats that banner still. Y 

In all the world of men none honored more ff 

Than we; and this within an age of man. I 
Of these do think, then look upon the future course I 

Of such a people when united, and how great < 

Should be their cause for separation. Where, l.oX 

Oh ! where shall end such noble record as 'O x^ 

Our annals show the watching w-orld ? »( oriX 
If thoughts like these with thee have any weight, 

I pray thee, brave American, to stop; •'Sdi*!" 

lietrace thy steps ; abandon all thy wild ■ luoT 

Design, and let no evil come because of thee/' ' ^[rVi 

•*If war must come, 'tis thou that bring'st '7'^ 

It on." said Redlohevals. "Ihave no debate A 

Nor talk. The time for argument is past. ■'i . 

With contemplations of the past annoy me not, -i 

Unless with your devout appeal you mix > 

Some thought of wrongs that you have done, ^"l 

And now do threaten. Your people I •'V 

Despise with all their vile hypocrisy. -t 
No more of this. ;M)^ stars,'' again n- --'^ 
Demanded he, as lie attempted to advance. .^feUfiq aiiH 
Just tlien, as is her wont, with gentle hand 

Before unseen, came Mercy, and before '-"'* 

Him kneeling said : "Brave Redlohevals, stay ' ^ 

The hand — so proud, so noble as it is— I . 

That tlireatens blood. Thou knowestwell ' ' 

The ills of war ; hast seen its current tlow ^ 

On many a field of carnage. Thou hast seen ^^ 

The widow and the orphan left a charge ^' 
Upon a heartless world ; hast seen 
The gathering dew of doatli upon the o^irl 
Whose heartstrings broke because herT)rave 
Defender fell upon the bloody Held. 
O! no one better than thyself does know 
What cruel thing is war; so much of pain. 
Of sorrow and distress, tlie heart recoils 
Upon itself in contemplation of such M-oe. 



WoulJst thou all tliis and greater eyili^.l)'4pg..;>Ki on 'jiIT 

Upon this happy IiukV where peace ,, •- ..••.: ';!i A 

So many j'ears has spread Tier blessings round ? 

I pray thee now suspend the dangerous thought 

A time at least. If afterthought a better one jj. 

Should prove, how much of misery hadst ;ul 

Thou saved. O ! see me as I kneel, and know ; ^ii 

If ever heart were true 'tis mine. I know ; jA 

No party to a wrong or right. In this rp* 

Unhappy strife I have no part ; my sphere 

Is love and only that. I know no fear, 

Or hate, revenge, or other baser thing. 

Away down deep within thy manly heart, 

For woman and her kind I hear 

Pulsations beat. In her sweet name do I appeal . .T 

For stay of execution in your rash desijrn. 

Thou hast dear children ; daughters fair j.'» 

Around thy evening joys do circle with 

Their cheerful songs; and sons, — precursors ol 'l 

A higher life to come ; in name of these 

And all their brilliant prospects seen ahead 

Do I appeal to thee for time to let 

Thy passions cool, that danger great, . . 

Much greater than in this tii'y frenzied state" . ; j •. 

Thou canst discern, may be prevented. , 

In name of Jesus then, and His Religion, 

Do I pray thee cease this mad foray 

Against His Holy Law, lest danger come 

Unsought upon thy head. In name 

Of holy Angels I beseecli thee hold thj- hand 

And spare, oh, spare the drain of blood." 

And as she raised upon her feet, her arms 
Around liis neck she gently pressed 
And wept upon his breast. Then, softly as 
She came, retired from the scene, while Pride 
Came bristling up, and speaking to him, said. : 

*'If from thy course, by tears of Hercy, foolish thingjir A 

Thou wilt be driven, thou, lii't not the' brave , p 

And noble son of Ta.rComed. Let not 

Her vain imaginiiigs bestir, thee to 

Thy utter niin. • Forsake hot now 

Thy manly attitude. Be boM, be brave, 

Be worthy of thyself and all the proud 



140 MYRIORAMA. 

Descendants of thy noble sires. 
Thy honor 's pledged. Betray it not, 
And with it all thy kinsniens' blood— 
The noblest of the earth— high-toned 
And brave. Stand firm ! Stand Unn !" 

"1 will/' said lie ; and back a pace or two 

He stepped, as quickly came in breathless haste 

Into their midst just then, a Hkrald clad 

In uniform of blue. Obeisance having made, 

Addressing Independence, thus he spake : 

''There 's treason in the Capitol ! Your guns. 

In traitors' hands, upon your ships are turned! 

From Charleston Harbor -s driven 'Star of the West'! 

Your stores, for soldiers' comfort placed, 

Are stolen by tlie thieves ! Your forts 

Thcv take possession of, and Moultrie 's in 

Their hands !" 

Asked Independence then, 
"How 's Cass ?" 

''He 's faithAil, firm,*' 
Keplied the Herald. 

'•Buchanan ?'' 

•Tale, nervous, sick, 
Afraid.*' 

"Depart; watcli well; and bring report 
Again.*' 

And quickly as he came the Herald went. 
Addressing then great Tarcomcd and his 
Defiant offspring Kcdlohevals, thus 
The patriot Tarcomedraw spake : 

'•Proud brothers of the South, I pray you hear 
Mc for our common good. By strength 
And hopes united, luive we grown unto 
Our present state. When discord came, 
ivo readier than you to compnnnise 
And cluisc away'tlic cloud that rested on 
Our hearts. Wlien trouble came, no earlier 
Than you in raising troops for war. 
Whcndangcrous questions rose for thought 
And .settlement, no abler minds tlian yours 
To lend tlieir learning and experience 
To light us out of dread. If glory won. 
Were none deserving more tlinn you. If fame 



MYRIORAMA. 141 

Upon our banners perched, or victorr on 
Our sword, no share thereof was larger than 
Was yours. Wherever good or greatness shines 
Upon our matchless course; where name 
Of Uijlon gilds historic page ; wherever brave 
And noble men have stood together friends 
For greatest good of our common land, 
There stand in bold relief the honored names 
Of Southern men. Shall all this glory pass 
From Southern fame ? This greatness die 
Because of Southern shame? This honor lost 
Because of Southern want of name to love 
The memory of their noble dead ? O ! stay 
Your madness for the time at least, 
Impetuous men of the South, and hear. 
A moment pause in yet an untried cause 
To weigh tiie consequences of your wild design. 
Let reason hold the sceptre of your brains a time, 
And think what trouble you may save, what name, 
What honor, greatness and renown attain. 
We pray you calmly hear us ; hear us well. 
The times are fiery, deceptive, treacherous. 
If aught, we have not promised, still 5'ou want. 
To sa^tisfy your will and let the Union stand,— 
The noble monument it is of all 
The fairest work of man in any age or time- 
Proclaim it now, that if it be consistent with 
Our knowledge of ther Ight, we may it yield." 

Then Tarcomed replied, and said : "Full well 
We know, brave Tarcomedraw, thou would'st yield 
A proper compromise ; the same would I. 
Between us stand, in solid barrier formed. 
The stubborn will of Redlohevals, and 
The vantage ground of Laredef. 
From Northern home you come; from Southern, I; 
And ties of common birth-place bind our hearts 
To those we love. In final contest wac^ed, 
WTien all debate had failed of ending the 
Dispute, if such a thing should come. 
With Laredef would you ally yourself; 
With Redlohevals, I ; and this does give 
The hope of compromise a gloomy look. 
But yet, for sake of peace, I'll state the t ^ ms' 
If they'll agree, upon the which I*U pledge 



142 MYRIORAMA. 

No further prosecution of the remedy I named. 
If in the public lands, my li^ht to take 
My slave b)?. law shall be protected- ai^iif;.' ^r^i-) ^r.nrj 
No inter,l:erenoe. where! urn* with this - ■■-•-. -,]q 
Am I^qpnie^t.,;: What say my fdeaUs ?'• . ^ff 

First Nameca^p spake. ''With pleasure I rj,,!^ , iQ 
Will ^rant you this, or any otiier thing - .,;-!: if •,- A 
That you demand. This hrmness and resolve 
Of Laredef has vital error at its root 
That leads to strife and only that. Within 
Our midst for many years\has lurked • •■'i 

A serpent which now shows itself. . At first !?^ 

But small, in time it; greyN'. t|i)d now it, crawls 
Across the nation's stage with lK>ldest,head 
Proposing terms to those who liate, despise 
And loatno its very life. The cry has been, 
Wlien in its youthful days, The barbarism and 
The wickednos^ of holding men in bonds.' 
'"Tis gentler in its terms of censure now, 
And calls its interest in Xegros. •IvOt* 
Of liberty and higher law.' We're not • 
Responsible for anything of wrong. . • : - ■ ■ .»' 
There is in slav^r^'v if aught there be; •. ;; ; ,.'T 
Much l^^ are thejiwho hpUl the, .Vomljrnen ,'thn». -,; ". 
The law pii'oteqts them in it. Uo a^at interfen"^ '; 
In any way with this .most ancient. rights T 

Is enemy^ of liberty and, publiefoith., 
I grant the, terms of, Tarcomed,.and do 
Most hQWJjiiy. advi.se th^vnjxtionjoi^ ■;,.,:.;, ... ..j 
In this most just and honorable plan." 

Said Taroomeilraw then: 'rilXis moi'e than we '' 
Demand for right to Iwrso^ or .'v^xor landi. 
We go ui>Qn the public, spirit of the people. WUorc, 
In their oi>inioii, slaves had better be, \ 

There lot them go; where otherwise, prevent; 
For tiiu^.is. pure 3)emQttracy,estahlishe^l in 
Tlieland., What the people do refuse, compel 
Them not to have ; for thisw^njld be no less .- • 'i 
A wrong than that thou fearest from . ;■ ■■ ■ ' h 
The central nower in the oase thyself hast shown* 
If thou wilt nave no stricture on .the rights 
Reserved bv th' people'^ wUVin Federal Head, 
Combined, \ pray t^iee tijon rtOigxaiUt.tkatlawur *)i'.1 



MYRIORAMA. 1« 

To us which thou demandest for thyself. 

No fairer phiii than this cau I advauce. < i 

Let those whose interests are most concerned ^ 

In this contested case have free and full 

Control thereof, and thus relieve the Government 

Of all the ills attendant on its settlement. 

In its nature local, let the local body rule 

And regulate its place, its growth and death/' 

**But,"said Tarcomed; -The right to slave 

Is ri^ht peculiar. It must be fostered by 

The law, and cherished — fed, by local power, 

Else by its own oppressive weight it falls/l ;• .jjoi^.l 

*Then," said Progress, "It is wrong, and oughtj; ■ ■ 
To fall. What common love of human right 
And justice, in the heart implanted, won't 
Sustain without the force of written law, 
Is rott*3n in its core, and ought to die." 

And Tarcomedraw then : ""What sayest thou. 
Good Tarcomed, to the proposition I advance? 
Between thyself and Laredef it is^^.,!. n-ijijisJ i 
A medium." .,'•;!!,- -7 i,..V,', ' .^ 

"Pve stated my demand,'' 
Said Tarcomed. "I've nothing more to add. 
My people ai-e united and will not retreat." 

Just then the Herald came again, and said : 
"The Capitol is guarded well. The Veteran Scott 
Is in command, and Lincoln 's at the helm.-* 

* A^dL-^'Uere is Douglas ? " Iijd'epfeii(j^n<^ asked. 

* He -s in the .Senate pleading for aji;q\n promise. " ^^ 

''And lie?'* , "^ V,'l^--r V* :''." 

" Resigriidct,'a44;in;|&:^ South. " 

" Go, watch again, and br^rig i^eppi'ti'Iii time. • 
And Herald went again. 



Continuing, *, 

Then Independence said : '• I now do \yani ., 

All threatening hands to cease their vncked work. , 
The plan and argumeut by Laredef proposed. ^ 



144 MYRIORAMA. 

Do I approve; and if it be the people's will, 

Let that, as in the olden time, be end of all 

Debate. The Stars upon our Union's breast 

A unity must be, and that forever. 

No compromise wliich in its future execution 

Would tear a star a\va}% a moment can 

I entertain. If trouble come because 

Of ftiilure to agree in matter of opinion, then 

Let consequences rest wherever tney 

Do rightfully belong; and blood first shed, 

On skirts of him who draws the sword 

Before its time when none do threaten harm." 

Said Tarcomedraw then to Tarcomed : 

'' Thy people are not now a unit as thou sayest. 

Too many happy memories of the past 

Around their warm and generous hearts do cling 

To let such cruel feelings rise. Too much 

01 our common history to them belongs 

For such a bold and wicked undertaking." 

Then Lartuen arose and said : " The signs 
Grow deeply ominous of troublous times, 
And fretful fevers come upon the people. 
If any thing can now be done to stay 
The tide which seeraeth setting in, all hearts 
Of patriots should join the work. A thought 
Would I address unto our noble Tarcomed 
And Redlohevals, — honored sires grown 
On Southern soil. In early times, no friends 
More firm and steadfast had the Union then 
Than you. The life and strength which carried up 
The state, was much of it derived from you. 
Our progress great, surpassing hope, has been 
Magnificent in ever}'- part. Our Union gives 
Us strength ; stability at home, and character 
Abroad. The right of individual no less 
Than body corporate or politic, has been 
In all things most secure. Our commerce on 
The seas ; our inter-ocean trade ; our traffic on 
Our river boats, and on our rail-way trains; 
The splendid net-work of our travel and 
Communication ; our liberal arts ; our schoolil 
And colleges ; our churches too ; our wealth, 
Our greatness and our hopes ;— all, all. 



MYRIOKAMA. 145 

jire fruits of Union's strength. 

«, , n , ^ ,, The rio'ht we claim 

To liokl our slaves b}- 1 men is ijrotected 

By aforetime pledge of faitli thereto. 

in northern liearts the feeling is averse to our 

Peculiar institution. 'Tis nothing but the law 

Of Union tluit impels them to our aid. 

Because of old agreement do thev now 

Deehire tliey've no design to change the ancient law, 

And that is all we legally can ask. 

If dissolution and secession come, 

Twere not according to the wavsof men 

That those who now despise should then 

Protect the right of propertv in man. 

Its strength and susienance'is now 

Derived from force of Union as I think. 

Let that dissolve, and the controlling cord 

V> nich binds it. to ourselves is snapped. 

And with it falls our petted svstem of 

A servile race. In everv view I take. 

The reason of the thing does seem tliat we 

Should now accept some reasonable 

Compromise, and not in anv case 

Eesort to separate indepemlcnce. 

TJ e bear a grievance ? Then petition in 
The pale of Union for redress, and not 
Outside his stately walls. AMthin, we husband all 
The sympathetic strength of liberal 
Minded men; attempt secession, and 
Display another tlag within our native land 
The very earth would yield her locust swarms 
-Of union loving friends, and everv one of these 
Would draw just that much blood^ from us. 
Beneath the stars and stripes present our plaint. 
And all tne nation's moral sense would hear, 
it then against us should tiic iudgment be, 
'Twere evidence that we arc wrong and then 
At once we should desist." 

T, . , ^ " I'll take the sword, " 

In rage cried Redlohevals. '^ In the name 
Of great Calhoun I swear that I'll 
Have nothing now but independence.'" 

Said Progress quicklv, '* I do swear 
10 



146 MYFJORAMA. 

In name of Ossawatamie and blood 
Of Brown, that thou shalt fail." 

Then asked 
Good Tarcomedraw of the maddened sprite : 

"Have memories of our common fame 
No weiglit with thee? " 

"JNone save t" inspire 
My heart for braver fight. " 

" Nor of 
Our eommon dead ? " 

"No.'' 

" Nor thought of what 
We yet may be ? ■• 

- No. " 

"Nothing but to spill 
Thy brothers' blood ? " 

" My brothers need 
Not fear ; I only ask t' be let alone. " 

•*' But that they mav not yield. " 

"If not, then let 
The consequences come. " 

" Art tliou then fixed 
Determined in thj^ will? Can notliing draw- 
Away this desperate intent? — no argument. 
Nor love, appeal, or holy prayer convert 
Tliy raging tliouglit ? Is all hope gone 
Of reconciliation and of peace ? " 

" I'm fixed 
In what I say ; my sword 's already wliet.'" 
And from his dangling scabbard then he drew 
To half its length'a shining blade, with step 
Advancing, bu'^t lie paused to hear the voice 
Of Wisdom who did thus declare : 

" Tliou seest not what lies before tliee. Signs 

More certain in tlieir sj^eech tlian if 

By mortal tongue were spoke, do hang 

Upon tlie near horizon's verge. 

Thy madness blinds thee to their light. 

Beneath thee lies a lake of slumbering fire: 

'Tis hidden only by a crust of thinest'earth which jar 

Of war may break and let thee drop to death. 

Thou art upon the crater now.— so near 



MYEIOKAMA. 147 

Its biiniino; cdo-e tliat swift tiestnictioii lurks 

Beneath thy very leet. U tliou wouldst save 

Thyself, retrace thy steps and suddenly. 

If Pride, determined, still allures thee on 

And all I fear does come, then slialt thou not declare 

That warning did not come in time to save. 

If in this wicked cause thou wilt persi.^t 

'Twere just thou reap the penalty. 

Thy demand is most unjust; cruel tliy 

Intent and criminal tliy object. Oh ! 

Do turn thee now. I pray thee turn, else die. '• 

"I've grown to years mature, and ask advice 
Of none," responded Rediohevals wild. 

Uprising to his utmost height, then Justice spake: 

'•Lnfaithful son! Thou hast departed from 

The landmarks set bv noble men 

Of early time. Eut little protit liast 

Thou reaped from lessons thev did teach. 

How much of evil thou hast done and now 

Dost threaten to the land thy fatliers bouo-ht 

With blood as pure as ever flowed in veins 

Of mortals, thou dost not discern. Upon 

Thee hang accumulated wrongs of ao-es. Thou 

Hast bought and sold for gain" the veins 

Through which the blood'of men has nin 

For centuries. The bones of dead men rise 

Up from forgotten graves and strain 

Their eyeless skullslo stare at thee and tliy 

Enormities, accusing thee of that 

Infernal trade. O I monster that thou art. 

Look back upon thy past of infamy. 

And e'er it is too late, return to Avliat 

Is just and right. God's hand is in 

The moving scene before thee passing which, 

Because of sin's disease thou wilt not see. 

The day of retribution with its fearfui 

Reckoning approaches fast, and just 

Destruction waits upon the threshold. 

Before thee yawns an awful vortex of 

Devouring elements fast whirling into 

Combinations such as man has never known, 

And thou art but a step tliis side 

The dreadful mass. Again I warn tliec. halt, 



lis MYKIOKAMA. 

And turn about lost iustice overtake 

Thy damning sin. Thou Avouhl'st erect a frame' 

Of bones ana muscles of thy bretliren built. 

And sliow it to the world as work 

Of modern liberty. What stupendous fraud 

Would'st thou tlius palm upon tlie world: a mass 

Of rottenness and putrefying sores. 

It cannot be. Then stay 'the^ hand upraised 

To strike the blow whieh surely will destroy thee. 

Desist, and thougii it take a longer time, the end 

Of justice will be reached as well. Proceed. 

And retribution lies witliin the vision of the day 

In which the blow is struck. " 

'• Stand boldly np 
Brave son of the South, " said haughty Pride. 
•'Thj' sacred honor never, never yield*. " 

" I'm lirm a-e adamant. My resolution 

Knows no slackening. '' And again advanced he 

With a struggling grasp to disengage liis sword; 

But Herald Vame'^in rushing haste 

And Pcdlohevals halted for his tale. 

" Your Hag's dishonored bj* the hands 

Of Redlohevals' sons. Sumpter's fallen 

And the banner trails in dust. Bold Anderson 

And gallant little band of eighty 

Union soldiers stood the tierce assault 

Most nobly till the rebel shots did lire 

Up the brave old Fort, and then they bowed 

Their heads in sliame to see such great. 

Unmerited humiliation of 

The nation's arms, and gave themselves 

As first fruits of secession rule. " 

With inward zeal now firing ui> 
Thus Independence asked : 

" Where's Dougla:? now ? " 

''He 's building tires in the great Xorthwest. " 

" And Butler ? " 

" Himself transforming in 
The East. " 

"And Scott? " 



MYRIORAMA. 149 

"' Firm as adamant. *" 
''And Lincoln? '' 

"Cool and placid as 
A summer lake; «^-cnial and iirm. "' 

" And Seward ? " 

•'Holds the compass. ■' 

•• Then all 
Is sate. Go quickly now and call out five 
And seven tj' thousand men to take 
And repossess the fallen fort, and raise 
The flag again. Away ! " and he obeyed. 

At this command did Redlohevals draw 

His glistening sword to all its length, 

And^'tlourishing it o'er his head, advanced 

With pompous "tread toward Independence 

And his sacred charge, proclaiming loud 

" Mj' stars I Let war and all 

Its horrid havoc come; let blood and tears 

Like rain flow out; I'll have my lawful right; — 

No less. " And as he moved an\l thus pro'claimed. 

Did all his friends around him cluster fast 

Save Xamecaep, who did wheel about 

Like frightened cur, and sped toward land 

Of Kingcraft for a safer refuge there." 

With instant spring as this progressed, 

Did all the friends bf Union bound 

Between the raging Redlohevals with 

His circling aids, and Independence, 

Gathering in determined attitude 

Around the glittering stars; and Xegros, too. 

With his clanking chains to tli' noble circle 

Hopped, but quickly was he thrust to rear 

By point of the whirling sword. 

A stroke 
Made Redlohevals at the breast of Union, 
But the hurling flambeau felled him to 
The earth. Quick rising up, he sprang 
Again in wildest fury on, when TarcoViiedraw 
Kusiied before and drove him back with shout 
Of " Treason ! Treason ! "" — loud as stroke on stroke 
He dealt him fast, while Justice, with 
Contemptuous look, and pointing toward 
3Iock Xamecaep fled, wliose steps were now 



150 MYRIOKAMA. 

In swiftness growing, cried " Oh, Shame I 

iShame! Shame! thou traitor to the nation's Hag. " 

The wliieh attracted all attention for a time. 

And as they looked and saw the living brave. 

With one accord did join the cry of "Shame ! 

Shame! Shame!'' and Kedlohevals' voice 

Was Avith the rest. The while the voices rang 

Along the darkening air. before 

Returning eonllict came, a quick paralysis 

Struck Tarcomed to death, and then in'front of them 

Came down as smoke a sudden mist 

Whose soft and airy folds of white 

And deepest blue iii curling wreaths and seams 

Soft blended in. did close from further view 

The lieatcd grouj). but left in sight 

In glaring letters in the smoky cloud 

These words which all the world could read : 

''SLAVEKYISDEAD.-' 



MYRIORAMA. 151 



CHAPTER Vll. 

REMARKS. 

The Rebellion and its suppression, from l'(>l to I8ii5. The 
freedom of the slave and destruction of Secession. 

The nation's blood was boilin^: now. To South, 

Above the fever lieat, -without restraint, 

Through swollen veins the scarlet current ran. 

It carried ott' the lazy scum of life; the nerves 

Electrilied ; it crazed* the brain, and drove 

In staggering- ruin from her ancient throne 

The reason of the best of men. 

All over hills and vales of the beautiful South, 

Through forest, tield and town, like sheet 

Of rushing fire b}' demons fed. came wave 

On wave of the flying storm that passion led. 

Engulfing all in its scorching blaze. 

The hearts of the bravest quailed, the young 

Men ran. and fiiir ones wept, while leaders cried : 

"To arms I To arms I Defend youY homes. 

Your wives, your daugliters, from tlie scourge 

And blight of Northern vandalism. 

Drive the heathens back, and drench the land 

With their barbarous blood. Let not 

Their craven feet pollute the sacred soil 

Of the noble South. Hoist your banner high, 

And rush to the gathering hosts 

Where freedom rallies in her might. 

Crush the serpent in his coil; burn him in 

His poison den ; destroy his venomous fang. 

And pluck from out his very mouth 

The darting tongue that would dare insert 

Its damning virus in the virtue of our land. 

If treason hovers near and sounds its horn. 

Destroy its dastard life, or drive it from 



152 MYKIORAMA. 

The soil it would di?iin\co. No quarters here 
For traitor's lioads. To arms ! to arms I " 

And thus it raged from day to day until 

The t>outh was^armed andVlotlied for war. 

Oh I that droadtul day when the lire raged 

Like Vurniug prairie' on the western plain ; 

When passion ruled and reason slept, while men 

And women, era/ed and fren/.ied. ran 

So causelessly from house to house to throw 

Their little fuel in the fast consuming tlame. 

No heart so hrave or hand so strong, that auglit 

Could otVcr of resistance to the tlowing tide 

AVhich swept across the land. If tongue 

Were raised or hand uplifted to attract 

The i>uMic ga/.e and quell the storuj. 'twas hurnfc 

And crushecl beneath the blow ot people wild 

With rage before 'twas more tlian seen. 

Apparent wrong to lh\grant outrage grew; 

And slumbering tires b^irst to conhagrations in 

A moment's tune. The people North 

To mor.sters u-re\v. and all tlieir wealth 

A stolen spoil. The words they spoke for peace, 

To burning lies were turned ; their candor to 

Hypocrisy^so black and damning, that 

The very 'thought of honor, truth, or fairness in 

A Northern heart, was spurned and scorned 

With a deepened hate that a. demon, might 

Enjoy. If a trembling heart was fainrt 

And i^rayed for time to ask himsell what all 

This meant, and if it might be wrong, the thrust 

Of poisoning s^teel came quicklv iunne 

And frightened him to arms. If other, still 

Devoted to Ins father's graves, who loved 

The name his nation boVc. and paused to look 

At its ancient tlag to catch a lingering hope 

Still left of life in the old land yVt, the hand 

Of fury came and drove him in the ranks. 

Xo words of caution or of kind advice availed; 

No ear to listen, and no eye to see a thought 

Or sign, save war and that to death. 

Fair girls, impulsive fairies, tanned 

The gaiiuning tlames. and proudly pressed 

TheiV brothers and their lovers to the front. 

Their vivid scorn,— their pettish arts of pain ; 



MYKIORAMA. 153 

Tlie biirnin<i: woumls tlioir little, foolish toniiues 

Coiikl make, by the brave j'omiij' Southern heart 

In manly boso'in lielil for them. Vac- feared 

With a dread more terrible tiien. than 

The threat or seold of the oldest man. 

Their mothers too, — impassioned, fond and good, 

Lent all their powerful aid to drive 

The current on. and make more dreadful still 

The all devouring tlood- 

In right, in wrong; 
In fame, in shame;— no matter wliere; — 
If woman's hand and he;>rt do lielp. 
The work goes bravely on. Her potent voice, 
Like that of music in the darkened night, 
Gives hope and cheer to all our toils. 
And pains, and bitter disappointments. 
Her honored name's a shield, lier tongue a sword, 
Her eye a star; her soul a world of hope; 
And he who hath upon his side the power 
Woman yields, is trebly armed; while he 
From whom does she withdraw lier warmth 
And soul-enlivening love; — on wliom she prays 
Destruction and dismay, does lose his nerve, 
And falters— staggers, and to ruin falls. 
Oh I women of the South, if that destructive war 
Upon your husband's, son's and brother's part 
Was wrong, how large a sliare of evil liave 
You helped to do; how much of pain and 
Sorrow, botli t' yourselves and others well 
Deserving, might your timely words have saved 
To you, and them, and all the peaceful land ? 

By systematic self deception, now 

The unsuspecting masses of the South 

Were led, or pulled, or driven into line. 

The cant of Xorthern thirst for gold, 

The cowardice, the low and grovelling taste 

Of their malicious hearts, were dribbled out 

To listening ears in overdose and frequent. 

And if the vandal did appear in arms, to buy 

His musket and his soul would be 

But pleasant pastime; and if, perchance, by some 

Miraculous denouement he did otfer tight, — 

( Wliich would not be if nature liad lier course — ) 

'Twould be but morning recreation to destroy 



104 MYIUOKAMA. 

His linos and drive him screaming: from 
Tlie lield. Oli I a monster vile was Yankee, and 
He dared not meet and ti^ht a Southern brave. 
His talk of freedom, and of compromise, 
AVas all a base deceiving lie to win and cheat 
The honest purity of men whose word 
Was never forfeited. To steal their slaves, 
To rob their women of their jewels, and 
Betray their dauohters into wrong-; to burn 
And desolate their towns, lay waste their lands. 
And give loose reins to all the wicked arts 
And passions of degraded men, was what 
The base barbarians would come to do. 
Tlie whole of virtue in the land did dwell 
In Southern heart and those who thought 
As they, while those opposed to them and their 
Ennobling" cause were vilest of the vile. 

The stupid listeners believed it all. 
And acted on the willful cheat thus taugiit. 
Three men of every four who joined the wild, 
Malignant riot of the hour, believed within 
Their honest hearts that all this stuff was true. 
And no way could they serve their country 
Better than humiliate its Hag. and spill 
The blood of those who stiUVevercd its name. 
Stupendous fraud I How hollow ami how damning 
All its varied and deceitful cheat ! How many 
A noble son, or faithful husband, doting 
Father, left behind him aching hearts tc) hear 
His voice no more, while he did fight the hght 
Of other men, because of this disastrous wrong. 
Xo interest to him, mistaken dupe, except 
That thus he might declare how well he loved 
His land, and how deep buried was his hate 
For freedom shriekers of the Xorth. Xo slave 
Had he to till his little land :— no bags of gold 
To purchase bones;— the war was his, and his 
Alone who handled both of these— the gold 
And slaves, ^^'hat little gain to him. 
Deluded man; what little ultimate ol good 
To him who, thus deceived, did enter on 
His wicked work ? Delusion great ! 
Oh! wlu\t retribution came! 

A few. 



MYRIOSAMA. 155 

A noble few. of brave and faithful men. 

One here, one there — like rocks in the stormy sea, 

Who knew, or thought they knew — at least 

Had faith— that all this rage and rant 

Was wrong and rotten at its core. They held 

Unto theii-^aneient faith. Xo eause forgrief 

Had they. Oppression's weight from the nation's arm 

To tlieni had never eome. Nor eause had they 

For disaffection now, nor ever had. Tiie evil'of 

The bold design to break tlie people's arm. 

And build upon the ruins of a happy nation's hopes 

A house of doul»tful name, they plainly saw 

And greatly feared. The}- swore tliey would 

Not yield. ' The names their fathers bore 

Had charms still left for them ; the stars upon 

The nation's ensign represented strength 

And majesty with equal liberty for all. 

They had a strong, abiding love for all 

The'solid work their fathers did. and saw 

No good, but nnich of evil to arise from rash 

Attempts, as causeless as they were so wrong. 

To batter down the ramparts of our hope. 

From hapi)}- homes of cheerful life, 

From children, wife, and all, in hurried haste. 

Without a parting word — a tarewell kiss 

Or kind embrace from any dear one there. 

To eaves, and swamps, aiid brakes and mouutaiu 

Lanes, were such as these in madness driven; or. 

Still worse than this,— in many a hidden spot 

Where eye of man did not observe. 

Where echoes of a fainting widow's scream. 

Or cry of orphan child made rashly, quickly so» 

Ran through the tangled wilds, a husband, son, 

Or sire with his gray hairs nestling on 

His furrowed brow, the forfeit paid 

To wicked, crazy men in wrath. 

For faithful trust in his father's Hag; for not^ 

In time of stormy sea, because the waves 

Rolled high, deserting cowardly the ship 

That never yet had failed to reacli her port 

In time and bring him safely home. 

Behold that wretched train of weeping wive? 
And tender little ones upon the plains' 
Of West Missouri as they slowly move 



150 MYKIOIIAMA. 

In worn attire, and little shoeless feet 

Their blood-stained prints npon the llinty rocks. 

In sad mementoes leaving' there. See fainting 

■\Voman with her fevered babe in rags 

Close wrapped within her anns, as on her 

Faithful horse she sits, wliose tender feet 

Go limping on the dusty road, while 

Crving children trudge'along with weary st-ops 

Beliind, their little legs scarce strong 

Enough to bear their starving bodies up. 

And see them as they halt upon their weary way 

At some befriending shade to drink a cup 

Of cool, refreshing water, and to rest an hour 

On the grass. Hear their sad lament as tears 

In sorrow trickle down their careworn cheeks 

"VVhile story of their great misfortunes do 

They tell: how roving desperadoes came 

At dead of night, and fron\ their last embrace, 

Amid tlieir cries and prayers, tlieir lather tore 

And dragged him to some limb, or cave, 

Or stream, from whence he never more returned; 

How then they came again and bade the household 

Leave witiiin'a day the home they loved 

And search a place where sucli as they 

Might stay; liow when they left and looking back, 

They saw'the smoke rise up from tlieir burning liouse. 

Then hear them tell of other father there 

More fortunate than theirs, whose neck. 

By reason of liis zealous watch, escaped 

The halter of the wretched men who haunt 

The hills. He hides himself wliere'er he can, 

And creeps and crawls from place to place 

About in constant fear of death. At night 

"When darkness veils the earth, some trusty friend 

His welcome food sends out to him by hand 

Of Jim or Sam, or otlier faithful black. 

Behold that line like train of moving ants, 
"Where frightened men are stealing to and fro 
With tread ot cautious pace, a station here 
And there along the dangerous route in cave 
Or friendly house, where blistered feet might rest 
And get a draft of cooling air; then hear 
Them tell of treatment they received at hands 
OfmcTi by passion crazed :"how women wept 



MYKIORAM.A. 15/ 

And praj'otl o'er mangled bodies of 
Their murdered deadriiow families -svithin 
An hour or a da}', beneath the overhangin^ir throat 
Of lauiess men, did leave their burning homes 
And all they held most dear on earth, without 
A change of clothing or a dime to purchase food ; 
How men, gray haired and trembling on 
The verge of death, were pulled and dragged 
About from tree to tree behind a crazy inob. 
Then hanged or shot or both, and all 
Because they could not face their God and cry 
*' Disunion "* in the hills of Tennessee. 

Such pictures might be multipled 

To many — many more, by way of painting 

What the jx^nalty of treason was 

To that the maddened people taught 

In those alarming days when God, it seemed, 

A -strong delusion' sent that people might 

'Believe a lie.' So widely spread this wild. 

Unregulated zeal of passion and of hate. 

That these, and such as these were common things 

Wherever union loving men appeared 

And held their heads above the stream 

Which rushed with deadly current o'er the South. 

To North we now will look. The news 

Of Sumpter's liiU like mountain lire spread 

Throughout the anxious land ; the people thought 

That time had come the insult to resent. 

The President for soldiers quickly called ; 

Kentucky and Missouri Hahed 

Defiance' back, and blew a blast of scorn 

In the face of the nation's honored Chief. 

Insulted thus on every side, the deep. 

Slow current of that native pride which tills 

The hearts of liberal minded men toward that 

They honor as a common good, began 

To swell its channels and increaselts speed. 

Responsive to their instincts of the right. 

Their hearts began to beat and fiister beat 

Until excitement of intense degree 

Like earthquake shook the land. 

The PEOPLE of the north were rising now. 

'Twas not that wild, terrific flood of hate. 



158 MYlllOKAMA. 

That bitter ra;;iiig of impassioned blood, 
■\yhieh inundated all the frantic South; 
But 'twas a .n'rand upheaval of the wave 
Of popular devotion to tlie nation's flag. 
As thouoii Jehovah svere beneatli tlie swell 
To re.ii:ulate its rise and fall. Carlisle 
Her little g-arrison did send, and like 
The snow-tlakc dropped from raountnin hitj-hf, 
Increased its size and weight as toward 
The Capitol it went with many braves 
Of Pennsj-lvania's tribe. From Boston, too, 
They came ;— but why repeat the names 
"Where all. like gathering streams, did flock 
To Washington^ and none behind save those 
Who farthest came ? In court house, church 
And school the people met in nervous. 
Anxious meeting to resolve their willing aid 
To him wlio held the reins of government, 
And bid him to replace the fallen flag 
On Bumpter's broken walls no matter what 
The elTort cost. ' Twas this tliat pained them most; 
That hand of an American sliould raise 
Itself against the Stars and Stripes. 
And war upon the nation's soldiery. 
Atonement proper for tliis rutliless act 
Would then have stayed tl>e rising tide and made 
The people's pulse beat easier; but in 
Reply to overture, derision came and scorn. 
Endure this long they could not— did not; but 
As called they went, and tliousands more. 
From sho]^ and fai-m and bench ; from press, 
From pulpit and from counting house, they went 
In long and earnest lines of ])atriots. 
No burning houses, with their lurid sm'oke 
To terrify the night; no hanging victims of 
Malicious hate to horrify frail women; no, 
Nor weeping trains of starving refugees. 
Or homeless^ wandering, hiding patriots. 
Resulted from this rapid gatliering of troops 
As might be seen in southern lands. 
No conduct unbecoming earnest men 
Unless, indeed, some isolated case, 
Where blatant fool, forgetting sense, did bray- 
Behind his shield for •' southern rights " the while 
Ashamed to fight, and poured his sickening slang 



MYRIORAMA. 159 

Into the rear of those who armed themselves 
For war. On him the storm came sorelj' down, 
And God forgave the people*s wrath. 

The action and the haste ; this «-reat 

Commotion of the moving mass of men 

B}' business rule was governed, and it came 

And went b}' systematic change. The passion 

Kindled— not of hate or malice born— 

Betoolv irself to zealous effort at redress 

Of this great national wrong; and while 

The hand upraised in opi)osltion there 

Was struck to shame, no warfare waged 

Because opinions did conflict, and feeling did 

Not run to blood. 'Twas after this that baser thoughts 

Were nursed. Miien graves began to multiply 

Themselves on southern fields, and northern homes. 

Bereaved of dear ones dead, wore crape 

Upon their doors and still the war went on. 

Missouri was the lirst to feel the grasp 

Of the nation's hand, when in the secret den 

Did Lyon throttle treason there. He vratched 

The glowing current as it flashed 

From traitor Jackson's hand—- An insult 

To Missouri that the President should want 

Her troops to help maintain the law.*' He snatched 

The tooth, fresh poisoned for the fatal plunge. 

From out the opening mouth Secession hid 

From public gaze, and buried it. 

Brave man. by friend and foe alike 

Admired; within the hearts of all his men 

Is reared a monument undving to 

His generous and devoted heart. 

True soldier as he was, when duty called. 

It found him at his post. Long live his name : 

Forever green the spot that drank his honest blood. 

By proclamation issued from the chief, 

The South was asked again to cease her wicked war, 

And to her allegiance fiiithfully return. 

Advised and counseled then as father would 

His child, that danger might arise 

From further disob^edience. But nought 

Of good did this appeal effect. It stirl-ed 



160 MYRIOKAMA. 

The nerves of Davis ami his men t-o ji,rcntei' \vratli 
Aud lixed determination. 

The armies met ; 
And in the first eni^"ao:ement of tiiis bloody- war. 
The Union troops were routed in most 
Terrible confusion. Not trained to use 
Of musket and of Jield piece ns the men 
Opposed to then\ had ])een ; — their captains and 
Themselves from peaeetul homes just fresh, — 
The\- little knew the skill and ardor of 
The^nen who followed Lee. Position strong', 
And chosen for the day ; the leader learned " 
In all the military' art; the soldiers young 
And panting for the conllict near, they made 
A brave heroic light. " Manassas lost 
And won,"' along the wires Hashed to North 
And South. Enthusiasm tlushed the Southern troops 
And nerved their victor arms. Upon 
The Union heart determination seized 
With stronger hold, and lessons learned upon 
This iirst fouglit Held were put to useftil end. 
The soldiers gathered into camps and trained 
Themselves for war. From East, from North, 
Northwest they came and learned 
The art destructive. 

Many a shop 
And factor,y, wliere heretofore r.he busN" hum 
Of peaceful industry was heard, now rang 
And sounded with a warlike ring. 
By reason of the treachery of Floyd, and his 
Brave coadjutor, Cobb, the nation's armories 
Were empty, as was the treasury deplete. 
But soon the brain and muscle of the people 
Were at work, and wide extended operations now 
Began for strong, determined battle. 
Douglas said,— -the (luickest way to peace 
Is most stupendous preparation for" 
Its opposite, and so the people felt. 
W^ith speed almost miraculous, were arms 
And army stores created, while Chase began 
To fill the purse, and Cameron to clothe the men. 

A year had gone. The South was fortified 



MYRIOEAMA. 161 

In all her strongest points. Tlie nation's arms 
She held, with many more from foreign realms. 
Her lands tlie no<xroes tilled while wliitc men went 
To war. Enrolled were all her tif^fhtins' men, 
Equipped and well intrenclicd behind 
Her hundred eartiiworks built by slaves, she now 
Displayed a bristlino; front. From mountains of 
Virg-iiiin, "long Ohio's banks, and westward on 
To Mexico, she drew defensive lines. 

Another warning from the Chieftain now,— 

A kindly warning and a fatherly rebuke. 

In answer other insults came brim full 

Of scorn and proud detiance. Xow an overture 

From him wiio oft had prayed for peace 

On any reasonable terms and quite as oft 

Met curses in response, was made a law. 

An ofter by the Union of a recompense 

For each and every slave within the land, 

Bj' Lincoln's lionest lieart proposed to save 

The flow of blood and all the ills that slept 

Behind the curtain of the coming time. 

To-day is law. But what ertect upon 

The southern mind this fair propos:\l had, 

The sequel shows. By careful watch 

Of captains o'er their men the warm 

Desire of the North for peace was kept 

Unknown in Southern ranks; and thus 

The early spirit kept alive which taught 

The silly dupes that North-men would 

Not press their tight. 

They came however, in 
A thousand streams from all the busy hives 
Of th' swarming land. From day to^lay, 
And week to week th' incessant hood 
Came pouring in. In massive boats upon 
The running"streams; o'er rattling rails 
And on the dusty roads, in lines back reaching to 
The outer borders of the land, they came; — 
Their coming knew^ no end. While down 
Themountains on Virginia's north the cautious young 
McClellan led his valliant men, the rising man 
Steamed up the Tennessee and proudly raised 
His banner on her banks where Ilenr}' fell. 
Across the rocky blufls his noble armv moves 
11 



162 MYRIORAMA. 

In columns solid, lon^?: and deep ; 

Deploying then in skillful lines among 

The thickly wooded hills, he falls upon 

The enemy's defence. By day, through deep 

Ravines and over rocks, up hill-sides steep 

And strewn with trees in tangled mass, 

The gallant soldiers fought ; by night, in snow 

And ice they laid upon the cold damp ground 

With earth for bed and heaven's starlight 

Overhead their counterpane. Three days 

And nights they battled hard with many strong 

Defences in their front. Xot only hills, 

And hollows deep and yawning ditch ; 

But line in front of line of earth-worivs thrown 

Around the tree-top-tangled hills 

All manned by soldiers brave as ever stood 

Upon a parapet. The outer line obtained. 

Within, the obstacles less numerous 

And intricate, with oft repeated charge 

Amid the trembling tramp of heavy rushing horse, 

The deadening roar of constant cannonade, 

The muskets' rapid, rattling jar, like tread 

Of caravan upon some nnght}' bridge ; 

Through smoke and iron nail, 'mid dead 

And dying, did the weary braves pursue 

The tight until the Stars and Stripes o'er walls 

Of Doiielson in heaven's breezes played 

And purified surrounding atmosphere. 

To Shiloh then, Grant led his faithful men 
Where Buell came, and proud success upon 
The Union banners perched,— a just reward 
For honest warfare waged. 

Xot all success 
However, was the fate of Union arms. 
With varying result the contest raged from point 
To point ; upon one single t:>loody field 
Repeated battles fought ; now one, the other army. 
Then its banners planting o'er it, till the time 
When all believed the war was war indeed. 

Though oft defeated and with havoc great. 
This only nerved the northern arm to f>-reater strength. 
More men were called, and like a rolling sweep 
Of avalanche they came from every quarter of 



MYRIORAMA. 163 

The land. Six hundred thousand men 
Almost within a day were mustered, armed 
And thrown upon the field. A million now 
And more of Freedom's sons, with hearts 
Emboldened by a consciousness of rig-ht. 
With glittering sword and bayonet set 
Around the frowning ramparts of the South 
Were tightening up their iron coil. 

The noble hearted Lincoln, patient, brave 
And generous as he was, looked now 
Upon the scroll which hung be3'ond the veil 
That shut the future out. He siiw the prop 
Sustaining all tlie framework of the war; 
He saw that servile blood supplied the veins 
And arteries of all the power in the south ; 
He saw that all her fighting men iiad nov,' 
Deserted field and study for the fight 
While slaves rebuilt her wasting foi'ts. 
He called his people unto him and said : 

'*The confiict irrepressible goes on 

Nor weakens aught its strength the while. 

But stronger grows in virulence and power. 

The stars or slaves must yield ; which shall it be ? " 

The People answered,—" SLAVES ! " 

Once more he sent his warning voice abroad : 

*' An hundred days, " he said ; '^^ an hundred daj^s I give 

You to abandon your mistaken work 

And come again in peace into the liou?* 

Our fathers built. Forgiveness then 

A warm and kind reception if you .come. 

An hundred days, and if the fight does tiien go on, 

I'll turn the key which locks your servants' chain^. 

An hundred days in wliich to save yourselves 

And slaves. The Union must be saved. 

Come back. Be not deceived : Come back. " 

Like those that went before, this warning brought 
A sneer and bound in closer union still 
The fevered South. '* 'Tis now discloscd.j'' sftid they 
"What oft we prophecied in the beginning: 
These vandals want our slaves. *' 'Twas this 



164 MYEIOKAMA. 

From that day on that gerved as battle cry and kept 
The soutlicrn licart alive to wa^re its war. 



The hundred days had passed, and still 

The war went on. It came. Th' uplifted hand 

Had fallen. Ag lorious light as of a thousand suns 

Burst out in th'' Southern sky and lit 

Up all the land. A voice as soft and sweet 

As starlight's speech to a slumbering lake, 

In every cabin whispered to the sleeping slave: 

"You're free ! you're free ! Slavery Is dead ! " 

Four millions then of slaves rose up and clasped 

Their bony hands together o'er their heads, 

And shouted " Thank the Lord ! O ! Thank the Lord 1 

His holy name be blessed forever ! O ! 

Our day at last has come ; — we're free. 

We're men and women now. Xo more we'll see 

Our children sold and bought, nor see the hand 

Of traders lead our wives away. God bless 

Old master Abraliam, and spare his life 

A thousand years to spread the blesuings of 

His good and honest nature round ! 

He's planted Liberty's jewel here, and in 

The family of Freedom' will we keep it. 

God bless the Stars and Stripes ; and may 

They never cease to wave ! God bless 

The Union Army now and evermore ! 

God bless us and our children ! God bless 

The world — the whole great world I 

O I Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Bless the Lord I " 

And a rain of joyful tears bedewed 

The very earth. The slave was free. 

Another year Iiad gone. Kentucky now 
Missouri, and their sister Tennesse*^e, 
With soutliern Louisiana, were in hands 
Of Union men. The battle tlags. besides 
Their stars, now bore a shield, behind 
The which a flying slave might shelter find 
From heavy chains and their effects 
Still lingering in the hearts of men ; and soon 
They came. In herds, like famished cattle on 



MYKIOPvAMA. 165 

The arid plains; in rags and wretched filth 

And up from these tli rough every pliase 

Of garb and kind of dress^to those who wore 

Their master's coat or mistress' frock; 

The old, the j'oung; the sick, the well; in wnnt, 

With means; on foot, on horse, on crutch ; 

In carts and wagons old ; pure black, 

And almost wliite with every shade between ; 

Of feature Saxon some with raven hair 

As straight as ever Indian wore, and down 

From these through every shade of color and 

Of look to Guinea" face and head. They came, 

And constant was their coming. 

Two hundred thousand of their men 

Were mustered in the line, and side by side 

With Union soldiers helped to earn 

Their liberty. Tlirough all those anxious days 

Of blood no hand of slave against his master's head 

Was ever raised. In patient hopefulness 

He served his j'ears, a faithful, trusty friend. 

Whatever else is said, all mouths are ever stopped 

From charge of blood or treachery on him 

Unto the hand that bought and sold his sons, 

So long as he was chattel, thing. But now 

As property of enemy in war. the Sovereign will 

Declared him contraband, and taught 

Him how to carry arms. 

The war 
Was earnest now. The passion and the rage 
With which the Southern heart at first was tired 
Began to cool and soften down toward reason. 
Experience had taught them the deception wrought 
Upon them when tlie storm was raging iirst. 
A light at times came from the north, 
And'some mj^sterious attraction drew 
From many a chosen band one two or more 
Of men who saw the day was lost. 
And further saw their interest and true 
Position in the fight was on the other side. 
But still the conflict spread and grew 
In terrible intensity. 

Defensive war 
A time did Lee abandon as not best 
And ran his lines across the border 



166 MYRIORAiMA. 

Into Fennsylvani:i's Capitol. At Carlisle, 

A tribute to his arms he levied, and a shell 

Or two, — reraimlors of his presence, — lefc 

He there, and burned the ancient barracks 

Standing on the green where many a soldier trained 

In honored times gone by. To mark 

His trail in ruins left he Chambersburg; 

And then to show the peo])le war washout, 

And its necessities to teacli. he took 

Their animals away. But th' old Keystone, 

And by iier side the Einpire of the east, threw in 

Their '-boys in blue" until the valley of 

Old Cumberland did tremble with 

Their heavy tramp, and Lee reversed his plan. 

With fatal 'wounds tlie flovv-er of 

His gallant army pierced at Gettysburg 

Where Reynolds fell and with him twenty 

Thousand Union braves. With great 

Precision fell he back to Richmond and 

Her eartlien walls. 

If aught before 
Were wanting to increase the battle l?eat, and breed 
A stronger zeal in northern Iiearts, this break 
Of Lee across tlic lines supplied the neod. 
Their spirit from that fatal lionr grew 
More daring, reckless and determined. 
Then prison dens and liospitals grew fast 
And tl»ick, and women came in clouds 
Witli healing in their hearts to minister in love 
To need}', fainting warriors in their need, 
Tliey came to watcli and fan tlie dying 
Soldier on his couch and wipe the death-damp oil" 
His manly brov/. They came to work, to soothe, 
To sing, to pray and scatter blessings in 
Their path. Like angels to tlie weary shepherds on 
Judean hills, tlieir welcome voices cheered 
The gloomy night of deatli and made 
The (\vinir soldier feel how sweet her touch 
Upon his aching heart; how strong is woman's faith; 
How deep her love; how patient her distress. 
Oh, liappy, cheerful, loving, patient woman ! 
How oft your hand lias softened down 
A hardened pulse and bathed a burning wound; 
How oft 3'our soothing tongue has cooled 
A fevered head and sung it into sleep; 



MYRIORAMA. IG? 

How oft yonr thonsnnd little, o-entle, nn'stic 

Kindnesses relieved a ptirchina; thirst, 

Has dressed a drippin^i? wound and stayed 

The march of death; how often has 

Your angel voice made beautiful and bright 

The pathway of the soldier's parting spirit to 

TJiat purer land above. 

How noiselessly 
Her little work she does. From cot to cot 
With fairy step she goes upon her round 
Of love; the bloody blanket she removes; in soft 
White drapery she now enwraps the iron bed ; 
The dusty, blood-besprinkled coat removes 
From off'the pale, sick soldiers arm and clothes 
Him in a new clean gown. The sickening smell 
Of putrefying wounds andj'otten blood. 
By some mysterious method she removes ; 
Her little vials of delicious odor brings; 
Her bundles too. of snow-white cloths of every shape 
And size. Her voice, her footstep and 
Her touch, make all things new and happier 
And better wherever she appears. 
Her presence brings repose and pleasant change 
As silent as transition from tlie niglit 
Unto the morn. — so happj^ and serene. 
Can soldier ever cease to love her name ? 
Can he forget that v.-oman was his friend 
And best companion in those dark 
And gloomy days ? Is there soldier in 
Tlie land who lias not been a better son, 
Or husband, father, since in hospital 
And on the blood}' field he learned 
The value of a faithful woman's love ? 

The churches sent their missions out with stores 
Of pleasant food by woman's hand prepared 
For hospital and field, wherever soldier lay 
In need; the schools sent out tlieir pioneers 
To teach the slave his name; the Government 
Did throw its strong protecting arm around 
The ragged freed man and the beggared refugee, 
And fed them with a liberal hancK 

The grand machinery combined 

Of all tlie mighty North was now at work. 



108 MYllIORAMA. 

The cliuroli, the scliool, the shop, the court, 
The plow, the ]u-ess, the hand, the brain. 
The heart, the head, the women and the men ; 
All, all were now exerting- every nerve. 
A few of Naniccaeii's sons, 'tis true. 
Their ancient blood deserted and did run 
To Kinn'craft's soft embrace awa^-, but then, 
When (danger passed returned they all 
t50me what ashamed, quite true and ri^^lit, but still 
Thev came; and Iheir absenting:; worked 
No evil save their ov.n disgrace. 

The sinews strong of war were stretclied, and proved 

Its dreadful cruelty. At Vicksburg Grant 

Unlocked tlie west, while Rosecrans 

Stood watching at the northern door. 

And Meade was at the East, and Butler, 

AVitli brave Farragut and Torter, in 

Their smoking monsters at the iSouth. 

Surrounded tlius by strengthening wall 

Of lire and sword, the faithful band inside 

Made war as never they had done, the while 

The l^nion lines in blue, in circle after 

Circle growing less, did tighten up their coil. 

No haUing now for winter or recruit; no place 

Of rest biVt on the busy march; 'twas one 

l^nceasinu'. cruel war unto the end. 

The oU'er of a full, free amnesty to all 

Who would abandon now their failing cause. 

Was made by him whose he:irt was all 

The time for i)ca<-e— the faithful President, 

But his kindly ellbrt fell stillborn. 

From Mission Kidge, and down its side?, 

Throuii'li hills and tangled forest, ran 

The stricken legions of the South in great 

Dismav, and Ohickamauga tells a tale 

Of bloodv, bloody war. The Mississippi free; 

The theater of strife contractiug fast, 

And still the wave went rolling on. 

At Bichmond, I.ee defied advance 

For davs, and weeks, and months, until 

The very rocks of old Virginia frowned 

In warlike mien, and opened up 

Their rugged jaws for gruve- of Union 

Soldiers, while the bloody drama lengthened 



MYRIORAMA. 169 

Out its plav. 'Tw«is here amid the hills 
That Secio-ewifk fell. The soldier of the West 
Went round tlie hills to give the battling troops 
New zeal and hope — (for the very presence of 
The modest chieftain. Grant, Avas hope itself,) — 
While Sherman,— great exemph^r of 
The Northern heart and will. — took up 
His wondrous marcli, — unprecedented for 
Its peril— toward the sea. He gave 
New impetus to all hi.* feeders, and 
Thej' poured supplies by tons into his train. 
On everv line of trallic.'on river and on land; 
From all the farms and stores, through hills 
And valleys; over plains ami on the rivers, came 
The smoking boats, and rattling trains, 
With bread "and shoes to save his men. 
With Thomas in his rear to guard the veins 
Througli wliich he drew his blood, the noble 
Chieftain with his brave command, embarked 
Upon the dangerous voyage. From Chattanooga 
Fought his way through many a blood}* lield, 
With gallant 3'oung McPherson at his side, 
(Who'fell, the' bravest of the brave.) o'er hills 
And mountains, and through valleys deep; 
No halt or resting place he" found. Atlanta 
In his grasp, to praying, tearfuL helpless 
People^tliere, he told the cruelty of war, 
Necessity of peace, and how the nation's heart 
Was beating for return of due submission to 
The law. Fen never wrote a braver line 
Than Sherman's answer to Atlanta's prayer. 
Controlling now this center of the South, — 
This active heart from whence her outer 
Pulses took their steady Ijeat, — four arteries 
He snapped apart^ and'then began 
Her dearest blood to flow from every vein. 

Three columns moving — none knew where 
Save him who led the whole, while sending 
Back the news tiuit he was loose from all 
Behind, and looked for help ahead, 
Th' intrepid warrior led his armies on. 
The waste and desolation in his wake. 
As through the heart of Southern land 
He moved, disclose in no mistaken voice 



170 MYKIORAMA. 

How sorel}' felt his travel was. 

'Twas'narrowino; now to near the end. 
While Grant in iront, with aid of rich, 
Exhaustless people at his back, sustained 
By captains brave as ever wore a ])lame — 
With Hancock, Warren, Meade and 
Hundreds more, with thousands humbler names 
As good and brave as tliey — beneatti his eye 
To catch its every glance", — with Slieridan, 
The dauntless cavalier, and all his fearless host 
To change the tide, did pour unceasing shot 
And shell in face of Kichmond's frowning walls, 
The great leviathans with Sherman came 
Up slowly in the rear of Lee. 

A cloud of gloom 
And black despair fast settled now upon 
The city doomed to yield. A last and 
Powerful struggle yet remained and only that. 
That brave old soldier Lee, for truly such 
He was, now ventured out, to tind 
Some avenue of safe escape, but he 
Was near Ids end, and so lie saw. He struck 
Now left, now rio-ht, now forward, then 
To rear, but every channel closed against 
His flight. Like locusts came the assaultijig hosts, 
In front and flank and rear; by day, 
By night; with shell, with shot; on foot. 
On horse; — no end to the pouring stream 
Of warring men. He looked to rear, as back 
Again he fell; far, rising dust betokened 
Danger there. Again lie struck, but there, 
Brave Sheridan drove off the blow. 
Across the line lie called to Grant 
Who had already prayed him cease his war. 
The Chieftains met. He tendered up his sword. 
But no : too brave and fair a soldier he 
For such humiliation, and too generous 
For that the captor hand. His word was good. 
No : lie kept his sword by G rant's command. 
The din was liuslied. The ])ravc. deluded men. 
So faitlifuUy and long their gallant 
Leadei- followed, now laid down their 
Burnished arms in silent pence beneatli 
The nation's flag, and then, with food 



MYRIORAMA. 171 

From former enemies' stores in cheerfulness 
Dealt out lO I'eetl them on their way, 
Unto their homes returned they all with but 
A sin<jcle promise, — that t' "obey the law. " 
And then to Sherman Johnston :^'avc liis men, 
Who all, without a struggle, laid' their arms 
On pile's beneatli the banner they'd insulted, and 
As those of Lee had done, returned. 

A wild, unearthly shriclv came rushing o'er 

The troubled land just then like frantic cry 

Of a drowning child at sea. The nation's heart 

Was sick and faint. O ! foul, remorseless 

Demon, clad in human garb! When peace 

And gladness beckoned and the people saw 

The end at hand, thy deadly ball 

Must pierce that noble brain which then 

Was framing amnesty for all, and send uncalled 

To heaven best of earth ! Tiie President 

Is gone. — murdered— dead ! A sickening grief 

At first came o'er the i>eople's hearts, 

Eevengciul hate came next, at last 

The wiser, better tliouglit :— On I'.im alone 

Who did the damning deed shall rest its curse. 

Then Andrew Johnson took the wheel. 

To west did Kasliville's hero, Thomas, take 
The tbndered sword, and fed the wandering 
Warworn soldiers on their journey home. 

The battle 's ended and the field U .svon. The flag 

Floats over Sumpter now with all its stars 

fStill there, and ISTegros is a man. 

The nation's law 's obeyed ; the Union 's saved; 

Each golden star retains its place; and high 

O'er every battlement in beauty floats 

The Star Spangled Banner. 



17:^ MYEIOKAMA. 



CHAPTER Vlll. 

REMARKS. 

Disbanding ol the armies; our political history from the 
closeof the war to 1868. Reconstruction; the impeachment of 
President Johnson; his opposition to Congress, etc.; rise of 
)50uthern feeling. 

We hear the heavy tramp of armies now 
Retiring from the scenes of bloody M'ar 
Wherein four millions men were a]-med, 
And they our own. In columns long and deep 
They move upon their dusty way, with weary feet, 
But joyful hearts, to think thcii^work of death 
Is done, and home is near. They carrj^ up 
Their tattered banners as they march ; they hold 
Them stitliy, proudl}' up, as though 
The battle smoke still lingered near 
With enemy in front. They love those old 
Scarred banners well,— are proud of every hole 
And sabre cut that in them are. The steady eye ' 
Of the warworn brave, wlien he looks upon 
That proud old battle flag, lights up again, 
And four years more he'd light to save 
It from disgrace. 

For four long years 
They fought, and bravelj^ fought, but now they halt. 
They stack their arms in lines, and stand 
Their banners up against the guns. 
Their dusty, sun-cracked knapsacks they 
Unsling, and lay them on the ground. Adown 
And up the lines they look upon the implements 
Of w^ar before them spread, a proud, sad look. 
A tear, a strange, unbidden tear, starts out 
And trickles down the sunburnt cheek 
That knew not tears when danger faced. 
A soldier's heart has feeling left. His eye 



MYEIORAMA. 17s 

Within its steadj^ light, holds still a tear ; 
And when he looks as now he does, upon 
The long, long lines of what upon 
A hundred fields had been his best 
Companions, the silent tears will come. 

He leaves his favorite gun in friendly bands, 
Xhen turns about and goes with strano-e 
Emotion never felt before, to where ° 

The steaming engine waits. Like rays 

From fire shining out, the varied lines 

Vt travel seen from business points 

Where armies met and left their arms. 

In trains uncounted now they're dashino" o'er 

The quivering rail, distributing themselves 

Along the line, one here, one there— these starrv 

Ibights of home— until the whole great army 

Ul the Lniou's gone away and lost itself 

Among the people, 

_. , . , Then see that other train 

gehmd the first on every rail, where soldiers, 

I'ale and sick, do sit and lie, with arms, 

And legs, and hands, behind them in 

;J{;e. South. Their eyes light up as now 

Iheir homes are called and anxious friends 

Come in to meet and love them, and receive 

inem home. How many, oh, how many such 

As these in every portion of the land, 

Where but a few short years before 

J^one knew the art of war, or ever felt 

Its curse ? 

The husband comes. His tender 

Trusting wife his footstep hears upon 

The threshold rest; she bounds to meet him as 

He stands and weeps such tears as never 

gattle saw. Her tender arms around 

His neck she throws, and on that manly breast 

&he weeps, oh ! how lovingly and long. 

fche leads him in and seats him in his home. 

bhe smiles, she laughs, she looks that sweet, 

Angelic look he saw a thousand times 

Before, but never, sweet as now. 

He clasps her to his heart again, and thoughts 

l^rowd out his utterance— he simply weeps. 

His soul flows out to meet her tender heart 



174 MYRIORAMA. 

In tears : Thej' are his only languas^e now. 

She looks, and starts. "Tfiat arm? " She asks. 

*' At Chickamau^a left. " he answers low. 

*' But you are left, thank God, " she says. 

He gently takes her trembling hand and puts 

It on his knee : '* Feel that, " he says. 'Tis wood. " 

"But still my husband's left, and he is all 

To me. " They're happy then. His duty's done, 

And he's at home again. 

The son unlocks 
The front-yard gate, and walks with beating heart 
To the old home door. There sits his father 
In his old familiar garb, to welcome him. 
"Brave boy." the old man saj^s. ''God bless 
My soldier lad, " and pats him on his dusty face 
While rising tenderness chokes up his speech. 
The loving sister comes in wildest joy, and throws 
Herself upon his neck and kisses him; 
The mother then, with trembling lips, and tears 
Beneath the glasses running down; 
The little brothers shy, and sisters,— ail 
So glad to see him home again. 
His sister asks : '• Where's Charlie ? " " Dead. " 
" And John ? " — A tear comes in the soldier's eye : — 
That tells it all ; he 's dead too. They all 
Sit down together round the old door-step 
And he tells them of the war. 

And so it i.- 
All o'er the land. Go, count the homes 
Where vacant seats are seen and names 
Of dear ones lost are heard repeated ; count 
The aching hearts where voids are left; repeat 
The number of the widows and of orphans left 
As pensioners upon tlie nation's bounty; then 
Go, speak it to the v.orld. The tale vrill ne'er 
Be told. 

Brave soldiers of the Union Armj', 
The nation owes 3' ou much. Your cause 
W^as noble just and pure; your sacritlces great 
Beyond computing, and your patriotism 
Unalloyed. How \\e\l you fouglit your nation's fight ; 
How long and steadfast was your work ; how much 
You lost, how much you won. how much 
Endured, and all for liberty and law. 
Is written in the heart of every true 



MYRIORAMA. 175 

American. Your names are written on 

The everlasting page where all the good of men 

Is penciled out. Maintain that great 

And glorious record pure, and take it with 

You to your graves untarnished. Let your children 

Learn to love your names when those who bore 

Them sleep their last, long sleep. And while 

You treasure up your own, let not the waste 

Of time obliterate that other charge 

You have, — that sacred legacy of war, — 

The name and child of him who sleeps 

In shroud of blue upon the field of carnage 

Where he fell. Forget him not. His work 

He nobly did. He fell where others stood, amid 

The fiercest fight. Go, mark his grave. Plant there 

A pine — a rose — some evergreen— that though 

The winter come, its leaves will never fade. 

Forget him not, and save his child. 

His widow, look to her : she's worthy of 

Her dear lost dead. Spread fiowers in 

Her path. He loved her dearly, well. Forget 

Him not. 

And he that lost his cause, 
See him. With sadness in his face, he looks 
About to find the corner stone, or other trace 
To mark the spot he called his home four j'ears 
Ago. His beautiful wife who bade him go, 
Now leans upon his fainting arm, and weeps 
To know how sadly they have fared, as thus 
From place to place they wander, looking up 
The landmarks of their former happy home. 
The mansion house, the trees, the lawn, 
All gone. The blue grass sward, v/herein 
His happy children played in the good old time 
Gone by, adorns the parapet of some 
Great Fort, or embrasure where many a 
Deadly shell came out ; and cannon balls 
Have furrowed up his fields. Yes, war 
Was there. They're homeless now, and poor. 
Then proud, they're humble now. Then, slaves 
To come and go at call, — in alTluence and ease 
They dwelt,— how changed! They.re bankrupt now. 

That other poor and sac^dened face we see, 
Is he whose heart was never in the fight. 



17G MYinORAMA. 

lie did as lie was bid to do. ITe goes to where 
He left his wife and nestlings on the fatal day 
That swept him from his home. They're gone. 
He sits upon his humble door-step, now grown up 
With moss and weeds, theciiimney toppled down. 
'•Oh, where ? " he asks himself, " may they be found ? '* 
A stranger says : '"They struggled I'lard 'in poverty, 
And to save themselves from starving, left 
To feed from hand the Government held out. 
They're refugees. " 

But there's another young 
And sparkling eye that lights the air about 
It, whose look betrays the noble thought 
Of never yielding to despair. He looks 
About hiin with a eareless air for those 
Around to see, but liides his heart from view. 
He ealls his sister to his side and says : 
"Not all is lost, my pretty girl. This heart 
Is manly still. I've lost my cause, but not 
My manhood yet. Tiiese hands that never j'Ct 
Have toiled, m'list now hold up the plow, 
And 5'ou shall be nij^ help. Tliere's life in 
The old land yet. Go hide away this 
Little flag; put it in a silken ease. 
And let it sleep in peace. For a time 
It fluttered proudly in the breeze, but now 
The Stars and Stripes must be our flag. 
Put it carefully away, and keep it as 
An heirloom. "^Don't destroy it; I love 
It still. There, dry your tears ; have hope 
My darling, not a fear. " 

Froud hearted boys 
You were. Your fight was bravely fought. 
Though wrong, you did not think it so. 
Were j'ou and those you fought, combined 
Against a common foe, the world would stand 
Aghast to sec our greatness and our strength. 

'Tls over now. The nation gathers up its dead. 
And side by side as when they fell, they're placed. 
Within their last, long resting place, with little 
Head-boards raised to tell their names. 
Upon the little mounds the grass grows 
Greenly up, and trees around them wave 
Their sunlit leaves, while overhead 



MYPJORAMA. 177 

The banner waves to save whose stars they fell. 
But what are those outside?— those ragged mounds 
All through the woods, and on the hills about 
The lield wliereon did fall those sleeping braves 
Now resting on the grassy green ? 
They're '• Eebel graves. " Ah ! Why not have 
Them gathered too ? They fought ; they lost ; 
Tliey gave the people much distress ; but now 
Thej' tight no more. Go, gather them up too. 

And those that live, who, in the smoky siege 
Were uniformed in gray, — with tliem wliat shall 
We do? Tiiey're humble now and would return 
To him they spurned when in their rage. Be kind 
To them. Secure the state and tiien forgive 
Their wrong, and let tliem be our friends again, 
oee them strew upon the graves of those who fell 
Their flowers and their tears. See them fold 
Their cherished banners up and hide 
Them from the public gaze, and now and then 
When no one's ne:ir, display them to 
Tleir cliildren while they tell the story of the war. 
Shall we ask them to instruct their babes 
To hate their fathers for their cause and curse 
The hand that gives them bread ? "Tis not in man 
To so demean himself and teach his child 
To spurn him. It is better far for us and tliem 
To make ourselves secure, then draw a line 
Across the face of all those dreadful years; 
Wipe all their painful memories out, and lead 
Our erring brothers back to better life. 
They see tlieir weakness now, and know full well 
The strength that mastered them. They'll not renew 
The fight. They think much better now of him 
Who wore the blue than when they knew him not. 
We all do know each other better now. Let us 
Be generous to them then. Their loss 
Was greater far than ours, and nothing gained 
But lessons which in future will deter 
Them from repeating this their grievous sin. 
If punishment were needed, that they've had 
To ver}' great extent; their slaves, their cause, 
Their pride, all gone. Can we not forgive 
Them then and live together friends? 
Be merciful, be kind, be just. Wipe out 
12 



178 MYKIOKAMA. 

The sadLlening" lines that mar our pajst. 
If we had done no wronjr. there mi<i-ht 
Be more then to avenge. But much remain.* 
Untold of wrong that^Nve have done. 
Perfection comes not here, and all have gone 
Astra}'. Save this one sin of theirs, we stood 
On equal plane. As moral men and good. 
In all things else, they stand as peers of all. 
Give back to them their ancient rights 
Save those their war destroyed. Xo harm 
Can come of this if first we'save tlie state, 
Ar d of rebellion write our hate in lines 
Effulgent that tlie fool need not mistake. 
The Xegro now is free. We'll clothe him with 
The ballot ; then let us all be equals as 
Our law intends. A sword will each have then 
For self-protection and defense; and race 
Or color of his skin will not debar him from 
An equal voice in national affairs. The State 
Will thus be safe and public health improved. 

Four hideous years of raging fever passed, 
The nation's throbbing pulse beats easier now; 
It rests. A peaceful calm jiervades the land. 
Like human body by disease that's racked, 
Its progress checked,— the crisis reached, 
Recuperation then its silent vrork begins ; 
But every nerve by long abnormal strain 
Is weakened and the patient prostrate lies. 
It needs repose and quietude. The gei-m 
Of health returning 's hidden tliere' 
But peaceful sunshine only is the pure 
Safe atmosphere to grow it in. And so 
With nations,— so with us. Our every nerve 
We strained and held them thus for j'cars. 
Of strife so weary now we need repo'se. 

To view the nation on the present now 
We stand and back upon the country look 
As there she basks within the glorious 
Sunshine of that welcome peace which came 
With all its golden fruits when half 
A million men had wrapped themselves 
In shroud of death for Union's sake. 
And little less than these in rash attempt 



MYKIOEAMA. " 179 

To take his life had died, while many millions of 

The people's gold, to feed and clothe*^ 

The soldiers with was spent. AVe see 

The 3'outhfiil nation resting from a war 

Whose like the world liad Avitnessed ne'er before; 

A war wherein Vvere armed more men, 

In shorter time more biitles fought. 

More property destroyed, more money spent. 

Than world had ever known in four short years 

To any single people's land conlined. 

But what result, — what end obtained ? 

What questions settled, what principles 

Not recognized before established in 

The State ? Of gain to Union's arms how much 

To ecjuipoise the balance on the otlier end of which 

Do hang one half a million lives of men 

And all the ills upon their death attendant? 

We answer these : Secession is a crime 

The nation won't excuse, or palliate its dye; 

And human slaverj^ shall ne'er again 

Our people's peace disturb. The^Dlood 

Which in that dreadful war was spilled 

And all the treasure lost. — the lands 

Made desolate, the cities burned, — it seems 

Was necessarj'' to intruct the people that 

We are a nation with adhesive force 

Sufficient to perpetuate itself, and that 

The f'-reat, Eternal Friend above 

Wou d not permit another people to 

Arise and grow upon the earth from seed 

Their own great wickedness had planted, — that 

The day and age had passed when Sl.'n'er3' 

Might be the corner stone of any nation new. 

Secession dead, and slavery expiring fast : 

To these determined facts the public heart 

Ilesi:onded ; and did they who had rebelled 

Declare; '• Our honor 's sealed : we will not e'er 

Again renew the strife. Our slaves we yield ; 

Our cL.im to independence too, as well; 

Surrender all for which we waged our war. 

Unto the nation's will submissively we bow, 

And for the future peace of all devoutlj' pray. 

No object have we now to bring distress 

Anew. We've felt the pains of'war and great 



180 MYRIORAMA. 

Humiliation of ("lcfe.it. The People's banner 'a ours ; 
To it we owe and bear allegiance. " 

But though has ceased the clash of arms, 

A contest great as that does yet remain. 

The war of mind, a battle of ideas now, 

The future of the land how best t' arrange; 

How best to profit by experience learned; 

What safety-valves to make and where to place 

Them in the great machinery of state; 

What safeguards throw around the nation's head 

To make the future safe ; hoM' best to regulate 

The new conditioned mass so badly torn; 

How much to give how much reserve ; 

What sureties to require of the vanquished men 

Who yielded only wlicn tlieir strength had failed ; 

How best apply the lessons taught by war. 

The errors of our past must now be cured; 

Destroyed our causes of disease ; and what 

We've 'f^ained by such a costly war made safe 

Be3^ond a doubt. If Slavery be dead, 

'T must not be so in name alone; 

All bulwarks of its ancient strength 

Must be surrendered too. That foolisli pride 

Of Caste, begotten of the institution, must 

Be buried with the rotten carcass of the thinfij 

Itself, and so interred that when, in time 

To come, if sympathetic trump should sound 

Prom bugle of ambitious chieftain who 

Arranges parties politic, to call to life 

The old-time bitterness which ruled 

And drove free thinkers from the South, 

To aid in building up his strength, 

A balance power shall be left to save 

The fruits of victory. won in Freedom's cause. 

At least the former slave must yet 

Be placed where weapons of defense 

Within his own weak hands may hold 

The preservation of his liberty and right. 

Without the means of holding it, is freedom 

Valueless. With these the slave must now 

Be clothed, that in the future evolutions of 

The changing times, he'll not bo trampled down^ 

And made no less a slave than if he wore 

His chains. He must be free indeed, 



MYRIORAMA. 181 

And in his freedom be protected by 

An equal law which governs all. 

The social system of the South must all 

Be changed, and to the new condition made 

Conform. So long accustomed was 

She to the presence and the blight of this 

Devouring curse, that all her body was 

Diseased, and tlirough her every pore 

Was oozing out the poison of her sin. 

She must now return to where she was 

When in lier infancy she prayed Kingcraft 

To keep his slaves away. To great 

First principles of government must she 

Come back that all her sunny fields 

May start afresh in equal race 

With other portions of the land where rust 

Of slavery had never eaten up their life. 

All this and more must now be done. 
That battle rages now. Tlie end has not 
Yet come. The Union safe, and Negros free; 
Yet still in freedom more is meant 
Than merely name. 'Tis thought that when 
The struggle ends, we'll all be equal then 
Before the law, each holding weapons of 
Defense to parry all encroachments on 
His rights, when color will no more be sign 
For rise or fall of men. So maj- it be. 
Its day has passion had. Shall reason now 
Return and do her proper work, or shall 
We still by hate and bitter jealousies 
Prolong the past and deepen all its pain ? 

Forgetting all the bitterness with which 

His rash, impulsive nature, in the times 

Of strife within his native Tennessee, 

Had shown how much a man could do 

And say to baffle enemy's designs, 

The President, now rising far above 

The common plane of passion kindled by 

The deadly war, upon the anxious people did 

Bestow full amnesty for all the evil they 

Had done, reserving leading few, whose prayers, 

As common good in after time might seem 

To indicate, for i)ardon would he hear. 



182 ,. 3IYiUORA3JA. . 

Like dews upon the thirst inp: valleJ^<, fell 

This maonaniiiiity upon the Southern heart, 

And people everywhere said,— 'Mvell ! " 

He then, to give'the chastened Southrons 

Instruments for better governuie t, ''nult up 

A system of initial rules to set them on 

Their feet again. He asked them kindly too. 

To give to some of Xegros' . ons an equal right 

AVifh them of sulfrage. and share in the 

Affairs of State; but tliis did they refuse, 

And in its stead decreed some "vagrant " laws, 

And otlier stringent acts, that bore 

Witli hardsliip and unequal Vvxi<^ht upon 

The freedmcn there. In office did they place 

No one who in the stormy night of war 

lletained his love for Union's flag, and fought 

Its battles, bnt reward to those, and those alone, 

Whose h-ands were yet unwashed from blood 

Of loyal men, was freely given out. 

To represent them in the nation'' halls. 

Such men as these were sent- and for them claimod 

Admission in her gates without report, 

Well knowing thac it was against t' e law. 

The loyal people's representatives complained 

At suHi return of faith, and thought 

That those who proved in time of need 

Their worth as guards on freedom's w Us, 

Should rule the conquered land. They held 

The matter up for further thought, and said 

'TAvas better not be hasty, lest an evil now 

Be done which time could never cure. The keen. 

Discrijninating eye of Stephens saw 

Witliin the possible results in future of 

Foreshadowed combination, a g'oom 

Which might eclipse the liberty, and bind 

The arms of those to whom the nation pledged 

Its strong protection. lie counselled that 'twere besft 

To wait for better signs. Thus, a time delayed 

Was restoration of the ancient law, 

And Southern delegates were out of order ruled. 

At this the zealous Johnson l)itterly 
Sent back his strong, sarcastic shafts 
Of anger, and as traitors, equal with 
The hand that recently had laid upon 



MYRIORAMA. 183 

The nation's throat its ruthless irrasp. 

He styled some men in public estimation lieUI 

Above reproach for virtues, and denounced 

Their tardy disiK)sition as an act 

Of treachery deserving great contempt. 

Unfortunate the sequel proves of this 

Most ill considered speecli. It threw 

Into the very midst of all the people's liopes 

A burning brand that started up afresh 

The smouldering lii-es of the awful lire which 

But recently consented to withdraw 

Its fury and let the nation rest in peace. 

From this imprudent and most ill-advised 

Attack, between the two departments of 

The government sprang up a contest bitter 

As 'twas dangerous and long. As lawful right 

The President did claim his plan 

Of re-habilitation should remain untouched, 

And representatives should be admitted from 

His re-constructed States; and this infused 

New hope into the dying Southern heart. 

Perhaps not yet, thought they, all hope is lost; 

And possibly in future droppings of the wheel 

Of time, as signs, now ominous and growing, seemed 

To indicate, the public sentiment they might 

Divide, and still have power left. 

Txie Congress thought it well to hasten not 

Too fast in such important work, 

Lest evils should arise in time from errors now 

Committed, and did hence, declare that no 

Authoritative restoi-ation of alTancient rights, 

Without their sanction and consent, could come. 

A simple plan of settlement they tendered to 

The people of tlie land, amendatorj'' of 

Organic law, whereby an equal system might 

Prevail of power in the nation's council, and 

Whereby the rule forever might remain 

Tn loyal hands. It offered, too. reward 

In power greater grown, to all the States 

Where color was no bar to suffrage, and 

Declared as equal citizens all persons born 

Witliin the limits of the land and not 

For crime disfranchised. This, with Johnson's own 

Consent, by all the Southern States 

Save Tennessee, was stubbornly refused, 



18i MYRIORAMA. 

And here this great and honored man 
Destroj^ed himself. Some little deference 
To those the Northern peojDle honored in 
The rights they claimed, would then have given 
All the moral force of government combined 
To work which so much needed it. 

This fatal error of a patriotic President 

Gave courage to a conquered people's pride, 

And sad effects resulted both to him and them. 

A word of prudent counsel from him tlien. 

Restraining useless liopes, and urging meek 

Compliance with the nation's will, had saved 

Us much regret, and them a lasting pain. 

A word of caution not to press but yield. 

As the}" of riglit should do, would then 

Have healed tlie sores which all did pray 

Most ardently might cease their putrid itlow, 

And not again besmear the country's face. 

A word of kind advice.— that they were conq'rd men, 

And should obey, but not command ; a word 

Of truth, that government did not require 

Surrender of all manhood nnd estate. 

But simply exevy tributary stream which fed 

The rushing tide rebellion emptied in 

The nation's lap;— that loyalty should rule, 

While those remain behind whose record was 

Not fair; and that when these by acts, as well 

As promise, were admitted right, and made 

Secure, the end was reached ;--had this 

He done, our country's peace had been preserved, 

And vastly better state prevail than now 

We see. But he thought otherwise, and lent 

His power and his name to stirring up 

Of strife and discontent. 

In place of steady work 
Restoring peace and stronger Union, now 
The people joined the governmental war, 
And those who never saw the smoke 
Of enemy's gun or joined the list of them 
Who fought when war was raging, clamored loud 
And long against Republican aggression, 
' Usurpation of the Congress, and despotism 
Of the military arm. as well a horrid want 
Of common love of liberty, and great 



MYRIORAMA. 18& 

Ck)rrnption in the highest places. Thus 
A party, strono^ and threatening, rose, 
Whose object was to ring these changes on 
The public ear till, frightened lest 
Their liberties should pass away forever, 
They might be goaded to resistance, and 
Keplace it once again in power. 

This gave 
The wasted pulses of the stricken South 
New energy and zeal. Xow. nothing would 
They do but wait result of contest Johnson waged. 
The Congress then thought time had come 
To face the danger and its consequence accept. 
Tliej^ held the reins while o'er tlie people's homes 
Rebellion swept like unchained thunder in 
The troubled sk}"-; no reason saw they now 
Whj' still another yeav or two they could 
Not steer the gallant ship they'd manned 
So well before. 

They sent the warrior Grant 
To hold the people still while they reorganized 
The Southern land. For such ungrateful acts 
As here have been detailed, tlie}^ drew a line 
'Twixt tliose wdio had remained the friends 
Of national supremacy', and those tliat failed 
In this first duty of the citizen in times 
When loyalty was in demand ; and passing o'er 
The color of tlie skin, clothed /a/.^/\/w; men, 
Without regard to former state, w^i'th right 
To choose their rulers and their laws. 
The leading lights whose glitter stirred 
The deadly strife and chased its fury on, 
Were all disfranchised ; and the people, thus 
Arrayed, were taught to build them up 
A safer, and a better law, by which the right* 
Of all are equalized. The work is near 
Completed now. Two years have passed. 
And in the Congress sit the representatives 
Of all those troublous States save three, 
And they will come in time as well. 

But one thing now remains to make 

Our States that which within the cloud was first 

Designed but crippled througli the years 

By evil spirits' work : — a perfect and 



186 31YrJ0ilAMA. 

An universal freedom. Through their pride 
And persevering obstinacy, led by tliose 
Of whom were better things expected, sons 
Of Redlohevals tlud themselves of power 
Stripped save that which mind on mind 
In different planes of life exerts. 
The negro now in all respects secure, — 
( Unless, indeed, the ghost of Tarcomed 
Should rise again to curse the land ; ) 
Why not at once restore to them 
Their ancient rights excepting those 
Bj'' fundamental law denied ? When this 
Is done, and not till then, the land will bloom 
Again as in the olden time, and not 
On earth so free a people and «o great, 
In all the elements which give success, 
As happy, free America. 



3JYrJ0RAMA. 1S7 



CHAPTER IX. 

TwPZMARKS. 

The United States as seen from an aerial journcv ; the Temple 
Of Liberty; an American Presidential campaign; the recent 
contest between Gen. Grant and Gov. Seymour; trial of Laredef, 

The midniu'lit has passed and the starliofht's receding*, 
While far aNvay east, on the y'rayish liorizon 
We see the faint dapples of da3'"s early dawnino-; 
Then lighter and li<^hter the morning is growing 
And fiery gleams of the earliest sunlight 
Are streaniii]^ in masses of glimmering splendor 
All over tiie hills and the valleys and mountains, 
Awaking up Nature from silence and dreaming 
And draping tlie heavens in silvery lining. 

Above the clear tide of the lucid Oliio, 

With all her fair meadows and beautiful farm lands. 

Where thousands of farmers are happily dwelling 

Whose fields with rich harvests are heavil}'- burdened 

And sending above them their delicate fragrance; 

Where cities and villages, raising tlieir steeples, 

In floods of the healthiest, cheeriest sunlight, 

A" e looking like so manj^ innocent teachers 

That point to the happier heaven above us. 

'Tis here tliat we stand, 'mid this beautiful landscape, 

Enjoying the sweetness of purest of mornings. 

And enter upon an aerial journe}' 

To pencil and sketcli out the country we live in. 

Awa^ to the cast of us, pure in the morning's 
Serenity, cautiously op'ning their caverns 
And rocky, precipitous cliffs and bold led^^es, 
Th« rugged old mountains of happy Xew England 
Are robing their summits in golden adornment, 
And silently showing a look of contentment 



188 MYRIOKAMA. 

That mortals around them miorht well take a note of. 

Beneath them the valleys with fatness o'erflowing, 

Where happy and peaceful are dwelling the farmers; 

And milk-maids abundant attending the dairies; 

Where neat little cottages workmen are building, 

And fabrics of endless varieties, fingers 

Of women are constant, unceasingl}' spinning; 

Where active, industrious people are busy 

In every conceivable kind of employment 

And making themselves and their studious children 

The better and wiser because of their training 

In arts that are useful and duties ennobling. 

All over this busy communitj', nestling 

Beneath the cool edges of many a forest 

Where tenderly martins are singing their carrols 

To those who attend their sequestered amusement, 

No less than upon the fair bosom of valleys 

Where orchards and gardens make sweet with their 

t)dors 
Surrounding encliantment; or on the great headlands 
Where ocean comes solemnly near them with deep, 

hollow roaring 
To bathe the rough rocks and the trees that upon 

them 
Do rest in their places securel.y; or there, in 
The villages where the mechaliics are plying 
Their industry, filling the land up with plenty, 
We see the neat school house and numberless scholars 
Attending the lesions that in them are taught there. 
The churches and colleges, airy and cleanly'. 
That rear up their belfries in modest demeanor 
Bestow on the land the riches of learning 
And piety pure as is taught among christians. 

To south of the region we now are surveying, 

We hear the deep roar of the rock-ribbed Atlantic, — 

As, washing the shores with her high rolling waters 

She rises and falls again daily and nightly 

With regular intervals resting, save when the Storm 

King 
His cold, chilling currents does blow on her bosom. 
Then, rising in fury and madness, she flushes 
Witli anger, and foamina: in desperate pfissim. 
She lashes the rocks on her borders, and frightens 
The ships that do sail on her surface, and sinks them. 



MYRIORAMA. 189" 



To north do we hear the low moan of JNiagara. 

As over her ledges she pours down her waters, 

And foaming from bottom where plunged they in 

madness. 
The mists rising o'er it display to the watcher 
That's anxiousfy gazing, most beautiful rainbows, 
Then pass to the clouds for another refreshment 
Of earth when she prays in her violent thirsting 
For heaven to moisten her fiice. and to cool it. 
Wc look at the fields of the Genessee farmers. 
And see their ripe harvests o'erlaying the distance, 
And then do we see the neat valley of Mohawk 
Who mingles her waters with those of the Hudson 
Which flows at the feet of the Empire City. 
And there goes away to the South Susquehanna. 
Through lauds of contented and happy old Keystone, 
And near toiler southward, Po,;omac Vv'itli substance 
That bright Shenandoah has fed her from mountains 
And valleys of old Allegheny, where often 
In olden time gone the wigwams of Indians 
In peace and security were with their inmates. 

To northward again do we look, on the border. 
Where lakes and their streamlets in silence are resting ; 
And westward from these to the wealtheir region. 
Where miners and trappers are building their fortunes 
In digging for copper and catching the beaver. 
To southward of these then we come, where the 

prairies, 
Outstretching their beautiful margins, invite us 
To pluck the fair flowers and look at the farmers 
While they, with their reapers and mow^ers, do 

shear the 
Fair face of their fields, and do gather their crops in. 

Across the deep tide of the Father of waters, 
Missouri, with iron beneath her great mountains 
Suflicient to cover the land with ner armor, 
Implores us a moment to view her broad rivers, 
Her hills, and her valleys, and fast growing people. " 
Then off towards the sunset, we go on our journey, 
Where elk, and the buffalo, feed in great numbers — 
Where upper Misouri, and all her great feeders. 
Come springing in gladness from feet of the mountain*. 



190 MYRIORAIMA. 

From lienco the eye glances on over the vallevs 
And widening ph'iins of the Carson, to westward 
In hind of the miner — in hind ricli and goUlen — 
Where vines, in their richness grow wild and 

luxuriant, 
And j'ield to the gath'rer their sweet luscious vintage. 
To northward is Oregon, clad in her forests, 
Where glides the Cohimbia toward the Pacitic, 
Whose hoarse and deep voice the pioneer welcomes 
To breathe in his health-giving currents and breezes. 
Then soutliward th(;re lloVing tlie j'oung Sacramento 
From mountains snow-capt in the liottestof summer, 
Througli vallej'S rich teeming with grain and with 

verdure. 
Where cattle are pastured and w\atched by their 

herdsmen. 

Then backward again, o'er the great mountain ridges 
Dividing tlie land that we love in two portions. 
Where breezes refreshing spring up from Xevada 
To heighten and stimulate pleasing emotions. 
To east, and to south of us, tlieae lay the prairies, 
With wild horses grazing near edges of forests 
Wnich border those Ijeautiful plains and adorn them 
As silver}' rays do tlie clouds of the morning. 
Then, far in the distance, we see tlie good people 
At work in the lields, while prairies around them 
Are dotted all over with cattle there feeding. 
With sheep, and witli goats, and many Idithe kidlings 
That pla}'' upon ruins of ancient cathedrals 
In olden'^time built, and on ]\[exican Missions 
Whose mounds may be seen in those limitless prairies 
Where springs issue forth from their life giving 

fountains, 
And groves of live oak, and of walnut abundant, • 
Do stud here and there the plateaus of young Texas. 

O'er sugar plantations of fair Louisiana, 

Whose oranges come to the chamber of fever 

As wine to the weary and desolate traveller, 

Continuing now our hurrying journej', 

We pass over forests of cotton and pine trees 

Which cover the features of proud Mississippi, 

And breathe the fresh odors ascerding up from thein. 

Then over the live oaks of fair Alabama. 



MYRIORAMA. 191 

Whose branches are hanging in festoons of mosses, 
Suspended like so many silverj- garlands 
On heads of the fairest of virtuous women. 
We see her fair cities in midst of her oak trees. 
Secluded and cheery, like maids of the mountain, 
Whose hearts are the places where nature's seclusion 
Does purify, brighten, and elevate passions 
Directed and trained in the schools of teachers. 

O'er Georgia we pass with her rocky faced hill-sides, 
Where breezes do reach us from far ofi' Atlantic ; 
And next to tlie Caroline sisters then sail we 
O'er sand-hills and ridges, where odor of charcoal 
D jes welcomely come to our nostrils. Still onward 
To Tennessee then, where the honest old farmers 
Consume their own produce and smoke their tobacco, 
Wlio dwell in contentment, not feeling the anxious 
Solicitude some of their neighbors around them 
Do have as to coal, and to lead, and to marble. 
Which lay in great beds in their beautiful mountains; 
To wheat and to vines that abundantly grow there 
In valle3'-s of greatest fertility', watered 
By deep winding rivers and springs never failing. 
Then over Kentucky, whose blre-grass and horses 
Give note to her acres ; whose beautiful women 
Aie part of the spirit that lends its enchantment 
To this most deliglitful and ornate of regions, 
We pass to th' beginning; and on tlie fair margin 
Of young Indiana, whose network of railroads 
Extending in every direction from centre, 
Commands the attention of every observer, 
Wnose people are ever directlj' connected ' 

With all of the world tliat is lying about them, 
We rest on the banks of the lucid Ohio 
At 1 'int where we started this beautiful morning 
And look at the picture we've hurriedly painted 
Of all our land, — the American landscape. 

In midst of this landscape which here we hav« 

painted. 
On banks of the beautiful, limpid Ohio, 
There rises up now a magniticent temple 
Of structure artistic and grandest proportions, 
Whose spacious apartments are ample and roomy 
T' accommodate all of the gathering freemen. 



192 MYRIORAMA. 

It stands upon pillars on pedestals massive 

In number uneven — ^just tliirtj' and seven. 

They rest on a solid, a rock}' foundation 

Of smooth and of j^lassy appearance and finish. 

The i)illars are walls, and the spaces between t hem 

Are doorways for places of entrance, and windows 

For passage of light and the free air around it. 

In form it is that of a regular circle 

Extending up heavenward many a cubit, 

Surmounted at intervals equally distant 

By turrets and towers of firm architecture. 

Where sentinels diligent, faithful, are vfatching 

And guarding this grandest of temples beneath them. 

Inside of the"circle of towers, there rises a dome up 

With series of arches and braces sustaining 

Its manifold parts and its wonderful angles, 

Whose surface, though built up of squares and of 

corners, 
With numberless changes of commonest figures, 
Is arching in perfect proportions and glowing. 
Above it there rests on a S3'steni of circles 
Each smaller than that uj3on which it is resting, 
A dome, but of smaller dimensions, inverted, 
In midst of which Liberty's fires are burning. 
From center of this up there rises a column" 
Surrounded b}^ smoke and the tlames of the altar, 
Which serves as a beacon to suffering nations. 
Inviting them here to the pleasures of freedom. 
Above, and to guard it, in pride of his grandeur, 
With eye of a keenness and lustre defying 
The brightness and glare of the sun in his splendor, 
Contented with duty conforming to nature. 
And looking avv^ay all the storms that would harm 

him. 
In plumage of varied and magical colors. 
All tinged with a matchless and silvery lustre 
That dazzles the eye of the eager beholder, 
As, gleaming, and flashing, it glances the brightness 
Of sunlight that's darting its streams of effulgence 
Upon his unspeakably brilliant apparel ; 
Majestic and patient, and silently watching 
In gloom of the noontide, in calm of the twilight. 
In hush of the quiet of midnight, and J^auty 
Of morning, an Eagle is sitting — an eagle 
ITnchained from the mountains— liberty's symbol. 



MYRIORAMA. 193 

He holds in his talons that glorious banner 
Which lirst he had shown to the strugglino: pilgrims, 
And throws to the breezes of heaven its colors, 
Proclaiming that this is the Flag of the Nation. 

At centre below, in a golden enclosure, 
A circular area's open and empty. 
The wliich for convenience is properly known as 
The Forum with entrances four at the points of 
The compass, where, out from the Forum extending, 
With spaces between them of equal dimensions 
Within the great Temple, in segments of circles 
Near centre though short, to the outer edge lengthened 
And rising as each is receding, in numbers 
Sufficient t'receive the whole people with comfoi 
Are seats for the pleasure of listening freemen. 

From every direction the people are coming 

In numbers uncounted with badges and banners, 

{-'ouie tattered and war-worn, some shining and 

glist'ning 
Just fresh from the hands of their skillful projectors; 
With music and dancing, the blowing of bugles 
The beating of drums, and v.ith Qvery manner 
Of musical pleasure that could be devised for 
Atiecting emotions of patriot freemen. 
The wealth of the country, its poverty, weakness 
And stren'i'th do we see represented ; the masses 
Are mixeci in an endless and curious confusion. 
With whites in their varied and singular feelings 
Are coming the blacks in their medley of colors. 
Who now, they thank God, are divested of fetters. 
All manners of classes in many gradations. 
But massed in a general admixture of equals; 
All shades of opinion, of look and of stature. 
With habits and customs as equally various. 

And such are the people in streams that are coming, 
No end that we see to the lines reaching backward 
Away in the deep of the widening distance. 

Now into the Temple they're pouring incessant 
Through each of the doorways so airy and open, 
Dividing and seating themselves in the places . 
Which fancy dictates as the choicest and safest., 
13 



194 MYRIORAMA. 



/ 



No noise or eonfuRion, but plea.^ant and quiet 
Is all their deportuient; no discord or striviug, 
Thouoli rivalry 's lurking' in nian}^ a bosom. 
And passion and prejudice lie in abundance 
Beneath the calm surface so peacefully seeming. 

Oh ! There they are resting', this liberal people. 
They equal in all many millions of faces 
In circles enlarging as outward and upward 
They rise in the limitless distance awaiting 
Impatient the scene tliat's aproaching the Forum; 
For this is our cherished American Court Room. 

'' "W nat do they all here thus assembled ? " yoa're 

asking : 
" What national trouble now fevers the people 
That thus in such numbers and strength they are 

gathered ? '" 
In answer, you hear, a quadrennial Law-suit 
Is pending in this most exalted Tribunal 
Where all of the people are jurors to try it. 
The great Court is this of Appeals where do causes 
Come up from inferior courts (with the reasons 
Why Justice or Liberty has been insulted 
As those who -are grieved do most earnestly view 

them,) 
For settlement fair as the voters decide them. 

The cause that is set at this term for a hearing 
Is one which dissatisfied freemen presented. 
With charges of serious and threatening nature 
Against a responsible part of the nation. 
And noble old Laredef is the defendant. 

In midst of the Forum, on pedestal granite. 
Superbly in robes of his ermine, sits Justice 
Presiding, while near and behind him, in grandeur 
Unequaled, is Union in charge of his keepers, — 
Fair Virtue, with Liberty and Independence. 
The anxious assembly are breathing in silence 
As listening, hear they the sound of his gavel; 
And then, as an echo goes on through the mountains' 
So echoed the voice of the Judge: ''Let him be 

presented. " 
The widening circles of earnest spectators, 



MYRIOEAMA. 15)5 

To see the g-reat prisoner, highly distingnished. 
Now looked in great eagerness, wondering only 
What would the result be if he had evaded 
Tlie summons the People in majesty sent him. 

Look ! There he 's approehmg in lordly deportment, 
His features decided and furrowed, but pleasant. 
His locks are all whitened and olacidly hanging 
Upon his broad shoulders and happily playing 
In zephyrs tliat softly are creeping and musing 
About in their mystical fancies and fanning 
The faces of this multitudinous audience. 
Beside him his sureties are modestly coming.— 
The warrior Chieftain who, wearing his laurels 
So honestly won in a hundred fought battles. 
Wrings cheer upon cheer from th' assembled 

'battallions 
Who followed his lead in the days of his glory ; 
And with him the young man,— the child of the 

people — 
Whose industry raised him to this liigh position— 
Keward that is given to labor unceasing— 
The honest young printer of fair Indiana. 

Tlien Seymour appears in his yeomanlike garments, 
A modest and truthful example of fairness 
To those he conceives he has injured ; and with him 
He brings his impassioned debater and soldier 
Whose honors, not burdensome though they are 

glaring, 
Were dextrously won him and proudly he wears 

them. 
He reads in a voice that the multitude, list'ning. 
May hear with distinctness each syllable uttered, 
The long list of charges made th' indictment. 

*' Dissatisfied citizens charge you with Treason 
Corruption and murder; with burglary, arson, 
Embezzlement; great usurpation of power 
Unauthorized clearly by law; and we charge 

YOU 

With wicked malfeasance in office; and furtheb 
With want of that love which has ever bekk 

common 
Amonq our people of freedom. What sat you?" 



196 MYRIOPvAMA. 



" Not guilty " : Responded the prisoner, bowing 
To Justice, who answered, *' Proceed with the trip^ ' 

'Ine Counsel, arranged in their various places, 
Are proud Redlohevals and meek Namecaep, 
Who urge the conviction of Laredef proudly 
Now looking around him. And bold Tarcomedraw, 
And with him Ambition, appeared for the pris'ner. 

The Plea was then entered as Justice directed, 
And witnesses came and were sworn to speak ^"uly 
Whatever they'd testify for or against him. 
First spake a degenerate son of Ambition 
Whose business it seemed, without further observing, 
Was public commotion, that by it he'd clamber^ 
To power for which he was eagerly thirsting. 
His name, — Ex OfHcio, — does amply determine 
Between the employment he had and his office. 

But now that we're op'ning this solemn proce ling, 
We'll change for the better, it is hoped, our measu^'e 
From constantly rolling, symmetrical cadence 
To that more expressive of deptli and of reason, 
Where though may not thought be so pleasantly 

spoken. 
Yet argument based upon logical reason. 
Is better expressed in a meter more nearlj^ 
According in spirit with what it is showing 
To eye of the careful and critical reader. 

The witness then proceeded thus : 

'• I know 
The pris'ner here arraigned ; for years have known 
Him well; and through the bloody war 
So recently that devastated all the South, 
I watched his wicked course. When first 
It came, he promised fair that by the law 
He'd wage his war without intent 
To subjugate or make it one of spoil 
Or conquest. Constitution was his guide. 
He said ; from that he'd never deviate. 
Abiding hope this gave the South tliat no 
Unjust, illegal warfare "gainst them would 
Be waged ; they set themselves about 



MYRIORAMA. lOf 

To place the fight on purely le^al grounds. 

Forgetting airhis sacred promises, 

He called great armies out and slaughtered men 

In wilful malice; he destroyed their homes, 

Set fire to their cities; and for all this work 

Of wickedness, he used the treasure wrung 

From pockets of the people. When the armies of 

The South, on terras by all well understood, 

Surrendered up their arms, their cause, 

And all for which so long they fought, 

He instituted kinds of legislation such 

As ne'er were known in our land before. 

And now, in violation of the written law 

A quarter million of the wisest citizens 

He has deprived of right to vote, while those 

"Who were the slaves of them disfranchised are 

Entrusted with most full and perfect rights. 

A Freedmen's Bureau too, has he set up 

At great expense the negro's interest to guard. 

He has destroyed the governments of ten 

Great States, and in their stead built others up 

On negro votes in part, while many white 

And knowing men were not allowed a voice 

In any State afi'air. Besides he has 

Arrested men, confined them too in jails without 

Authority of law save that which he 

Himself had made; convicted them 

And executed liis decree by force of arms. 

Because the nation's oath-bound President 

With such administration of the law would not 

Ally himself, did Laredef attempt 

By means of quick impeachment, to 

Kemove him from his office. And, 

Lest Courts should interfere in his designs, 

He hedged them round about with rules 

Abridging rights untrammelled heretofore. 

To force submission to his will, he keeps 

His armies in the field, and to retain 

His hold of power does the people grind 

With taxes grievous to be borne." 

Next Freedman, as defendant's witness came ; 
But Namecaep made objection ; '• For, " 
Said he; " The color of his skin betrays 
His blood. Against a white his tale cannot 



108 MYRIORAMA. 

Be told." 

Said Justice then : '"Tis true his skin, 
By small degree, is not so white as thine, 
But still he is a man ; and if he speak 
The truth, that 's all he' s sworn to tell. 
Let him but speak that which he knows." 

His testimony thus then Freedman gave : 

"The blood which in my veins does pour 

Its crimson current on is mixed, for that 

Of two distinct ancestral stocks is there: 

My father white, my mother was his slave. 

In this respect one half my people are the same. 

Two centuries and more we've toiled in chains 

Beneath the lash of cruel overseers, and 

The profit of our toil the master reaped, 

Through all that long and dismal gloom 

Of servile bondage, when the hope ot time's 

Approaching crisis that should make us free 

Was faintly glimmering in darkness deep 

As Egypt's liight for ages in the unknown years 

Of future change, no hand of power ever came 

To our relief to give us of ourselves control, 

Save Laredef, now here arraigned. 

No friend to us so good as he. Without 

His aid w^e'd still be slaves. But though he made 

Us free, when war had ceased, and men 

Returned to peaceful life, because of promise oft 

Repeated sacredly he gave tlie rule 

To whites, entrus'ting us and our fiite 

To future keeping of the masters that we served 

In olden time, believing they would do 

Us justice. Most shamefully was he 

Betrayed. Xo sooner was the power placed 

In hands like those, than thick and fast 

Did trouble come upon us; and if Laredef 

Had given no relief, our fortunes had 

Descended low and deep beneath the dark 

Horizon of an awful night. His Bureau led 

Us through the sea, and now we're safe on shore. 

Our people love not bondage well, not yet 

Adore the hand that lield us so. When news 

Of our freedom came, we joined the army of 

Tiie free, and this displeased the Southern men. 



MYRIORAMA. 199 

Such laws as they conceived would keep us slaves 

In fact, though free in name, they passed. 

"When by the great commotion, some were thrown 

Without employment on the changing times, 

As '-vagrants" were they classed and forced 

By law to labor when they had no voice 

Whatever in tlie contract. By law 

Compelled some spot named "Home'' to have, 

And yet the right to purchase one denied ; 

To educate our children promises were made. 

But taxes on us levied paid the total cost. 

And if too poor, perchance, to pay the tithe 

Of each required for the public purse 

Our indigent, decrepit, old and young to feed, 

To grind the needed dollar out, the law 

Ari-ested us, our time at public auction sold. 

As "Servants" by this law and "Masters" were 

Employer and employed there known. 

If cruel and abusive masters proved, 

No remedy the servant had but to submit. 

If measure from a harvest labor had 

Produced, as owners would we sell, denied 

This common right of freemen o'er the world 

Except our masters' written permits could 

We show. Although when slaves we learned 

Mechanic arts and practiced them ; as slaves 

Christ's Gospel did declare, in this new dawn 

Of freedom reconstructed,— Liberty redeemed, 

If over anvil or the plane a colored hand 

Its strength would wield, a license must be paid 

Quite equal to the earnings of the trade ; 

Before we dared— (although three quarters white— J 

To call our kin together and proclaim 

The truth in God as best we saw it, law 

Of record taxed us dollars ten per year. 

The truth is stated when I say the form, 

And that alone, of slavery was changed. 

This system of unequal laws to us ^ 

Did work injustice; and without the timely aid 

Of Laredef, we'd still be bound in worse 

Condition, were it possible, than when 

They owned us. Now that we have voice 

In state affairs, our votes protect our rights; 

The ballot gives us safety-valve whereby 

We regulate the public engine and control 



200 MYRIOEAMA. 

Its steam. Without the help of l^areclef, 

Large numbers of us might have starved. 

And not the black alone, but wliite as well. 

So long as we are slaves, we've manj^ friends ;- - 

Such friends as owners to their cattle are; 

But when we doff that cheerless garb. 

And robe ourselves in manhood's uniform, 

Their vaunted friendship quickly vanishes, 

Unless we use our freedom for tlieir good, — not ours. 

Although two hundred years we've worked for them, 

And made them what they are in wealth, without 

Attempting once their blood, because we love 

The hand that made us free, and won't forget 

Its name, they think us enemies of them. 

In numbers nearly equal to their own. 

Without a voice in public councils, are 

W^e left, one third and more, the slaves of those 

Who know us not as men but things. 

Four millions now and more we are. and soon, 

If Laredef retains the rule, as men we*ll aid 

Thenation to replace the money spent for us 

In time of our need. In earnest now 

Our people are at work. Our children learn 

To read in schools established by 

Good Lai-edef. No place of learning there 

Was built for us till he assumed control 

And none would e'er have been, if left 

To Southern love of equal rights." 

The Secretary then of Laredef was called, 
And op'ning out his hundred written books, 
He said : 

" Correctly these accounts are kept, 
And not a dollar of' the people's money has 
Been spent except upon a warrant signed 
According to the law, and for a purpose named, 
Which is of record here. The vanquished South 
Was not disposed to grant a fair estate 
To those from slavery by war made free, 
JVor yet to those within their midst who, when 
The nation needed friends stood firmly by it. 
Not learned in ways of equal freedom yet; 
And having once against the legal rule 
Rebelled and forfeited their ancient rights, 
'Twas deemed but safe and proper for the state 



MYRIORAMA, 201 

To place them under bonds a time, until 

The safety of the whole was amply macle 

Secure. The military arm, for tliis, 

Was stretclied across the land. But now, 

When equal and impartial laws obtain, 

And sure protection is afforded all, 

While posts of honor and of trust are filled 

By those, and those alone, whose history 

Is not besmeared by stain? of loyal i)lood., 

T\\t YilVAtiivy yielus to civil laVv'. Tae way 

For future restoration to their former rights 

Ol those who once betrayed the nation's trust, 

Is open, and their good behaviour will 

In time effect the cure. Though I.aredef 

Has held them thus at bay, 'twas not because 

He'd serve his private ends, but that the rule 

Might hence remain in loyal hands. 

Wlien peace was first proclaimed, he was 

Most generously disposed to grant them rule, 

And amnesty went gladly forth to all ; 

But quickly they betrayed his trust, and turned 

Upon him all the power that he gave. AVitli help 

Of secret agencies, their acts disclosed 

A plan to tliwart the nation's will and hope 

By placing at their liead the men wlio led 

Them in the war. This, he said, was wrong. 

And so believing, changed his generous design, 

He raised another class of voters up 

Who thought rebellion was at least not right. 

And who'd respect the rights of Union's friends. 

Then when he sent his agents out to feed 

And teach the ignorant and poor, 

*Twas done to save the starving refugee, 

And trim the flickering flame of life 

Which cruelty had nearly beaten from the slave. 

His work w\as earnest, not corrupt, 

And done, as he advised, to save the State." 

The testimony here was ended, and the Judge 
Proclaimed: "The argument will now proceed .^ 

Then Redlohevals, proudly risincj up, 
Addressed the jury thus, upon the facts 
Presented : 

" I appear to plead tlie wrongs 



202 MYKIORAMA. 

My people suffer at the hands of him 

Who here is charged with gravest cilmes. 

We waged a war as never man had waged, 

Against his usurpations, as we thought they were, 

For four eventful years. Conceiving we 

Were right, his conquest of our arms has made 

No change in our opinions. Overcome 

By force superior to our own, we looked 

A last, long look upon our fallen flag. 

And yielded to our captors' strength. Keturned 

To homes we left, unsullied as our honor was, 

We swore allegiance to the law supreme. 

That oath we've never broken, nor intend 

It ever shall be. Though defeated on the field ; 

Though all for which we waged our war 

Was lost, and fairly lost, because our choice 

Was arms as weapons to decide the cause, 

We claim our manhood still remains 

To us, and all that common love of right 

Descended from our fathers down. We claim 

To be Americans no less because we differed with 

Our countrymen upon an open question, and 

Were willing to abide the sword's decision 

Of the matter in dispute. Against the charge 

That w^e are enemies to liberty, 

Or to the government our fathers made. 

We earnestly protest, and brand it as unfair, 

Uegenerous, unjust. That spirit of 

Rebellion now remains within our hearts, 

Is equally untrue; and that the public v,-eal 

Is not our first only wish, is false. 

"The hidden memories of that awful time 
When blood was moist'ning all our happy land, 
Come struggling up for utterance while I speak. 
Look here ! Look there ! The smouldering embers of 
Our ruined cities send their curling wreaths 
Of smoke above to catch the trav'ler's eye; 
Our w\^sted fields, our homes destroyed, our sons 
In death's embrace asleep; our slaves set free 
And turned upon us with unbridled power; — 
Are these no losses ? IS'othing these to call the tears 
To strong mens' eyes? Xo causes these for pain 
And inner wretchedness? Then rich, now poor; 
Then happy, now disconsolate ; Then free. 



MrPJORAMA. 203r 

Now slaves. Oh ! that some g:reat power would 
Descend and j>:ive ns back our ancient state 
Without the bondman or his chains, how soon 
We'd rise again and show the gapino; world 
There's life still in the noble land we love. 
We care not for the slave; — we care not for his loss; 
We're asking now for freedom, and that we mean 
To have. 

" Our pride 's not conquered yet. Within 
Our hearts are raised strong citadels of life 
Where angels guard the parapets, where shafts 
Of malice, envy and revenge can nevei* reach, 
And where we're safe at least from hate. 
The glittering bayonet's a stranger there; 
The sword has never reached its'" seat; the rods 
That tyrants use do never scar its flesh ; 
And there no earthl}^ process sends its summons. 
Yes, there, at least, we're free ; and though 
The throng around do scoif and snarl 
As passing we are seen, oh ! there we're free 
From all to hold communion with our God, 
And let the cruel, wicked world go by. 

But now that we have lost our cause, and sworn 

Allegiance to the power we braved for j^ears, 

And pledge our sacred honor for the trust, 

A portion of us are denied the common rights 

Of man in nations free, while those who were 

Our slaves in times departed and not long 

Ago. do hold the reins in part, and rule 

The land which once we owned and now do dwell 

In. This the work of Laredef. Responsible 

Is he for all the wrongs of which we now 

Complain. The loss of war, its causes or 

Results, I'll not discuss. The trouble now 

Is, that we're bound, and owe our bondage to 

The prisoner here arraigned. He holds 

Us in his iron grasp; he spurns us and 

Our prayers ; he turns away from all our cries ; 

He points us back to war, and tells us there 

We sowed the seed we're reaping now. 

He teaches madness to our former slaves, and leads 

Them off" from duty ; he sends liis emissaries out 

To breed dissension, strife and war. and binds 

The freedmen to his plans by secret oaths. 



204 MYRIC«EIAMA. 

He sends his troops of war to hold us still 
While he does tie our hands, destroy our rights, 
And set the negroes on our necks. He rules 
By power of his might. He gives us credit for 
No good ; will trust us none with rule. We pay 
Him taxes, and we pay his debts ; he calls us still 
The nation's citizens, and yet he rules us by 
A brutal race, unlearned, unlettered, lit 
For nothing but t' obey what others bid. 

" Like swarms of insects do his minions 

Come and spread their damning poison o'er 

The land. They open up afresh the wounds 

That war had made Avhich all would gladly close 

And heal ; they sow the seed of strife and future war; 

Wherein the loser is, and must be, he whose dark, 

Benighted passions now they're using for their good. 

Tliey keep the public feelino; strung to height 

That cannot long remain without a break. 

Each hour is it on the verge of terrible revolt. 

Insulting to us and our former status in 

The land; insulting to our prejudices, and 

Insulting to our manhood's native pride; — 

They fill our offices, and eat our substance up. 

They conjure in their mischief-making brains 

Imaginary evils, and disturb our people's peace 

By dragging innocence to dungeons fit 

For fiends incarnate. They do crj'- for peace, 

But by their mad, infernal arts of vice. 

They goad us on to rashness in our sore 

Oppression, then, the evidences of our pain 

And restive discontent, they use as darts 

For distant enemies to pierce us with, 

And make our bad condition worse. 

Communication close with this their chief, — 

This demon monster Laredef, they keep, 

Who sanctions and opproves their wickedness. 

The countless treasure which the people pay 

For public use, he sends in cargoes out 

To these infatuated myrmidons. 

That they may bleed us in our humble homes, 

Then turn and spew their stolen blood upon 

Our child reus' names. Oh ! the awful flame 

Of hot devouring fire he is feeding; the 

Remorseless liate his tyranny is breeding in 



MYRIORAMA. 205 

The hearts of men once free ; the storm of death 
And dreadful devastation that his want 
Of all the courtesies of life is fast 
Creating in the near approaching future, sees 
He not. His fiendish armor blinds him from 
The pregnant truth. But when it comes, as come 
It must, unless he cease his cursed spoil. 
The overmastering tide of burning heat 
Wliich shall consume him and his silly dupes, 
Will rage unceasing and unflagging till 
The proud old homes we love are free again. 
We've no relief from his accursed despotism, save 
In his dethronement and defeat. " 

To this impassioned speech replying, thus 
Did Tarcomedraw join debate : 

'^The proffered aid of friends, when friends had done 

Him good, he spurned, and scorned, with threat 

And contumely. IS[ow he reaps reward 

Of madness that himself aroused; reward 

Of evil that himself has sown : reward of pride 

He cherished then, and fondled to his heart 

As jewel in a royal diadem. 

All arts of peace and kindly feeling then 

Were brought to bear upon his burning rage ; 

The voice of friends he'd never known to tell 

A heartless tale implored him to return 

To those who loved him well, and not disturb 

The country's peace : the tears of Mercy fell 

Upon his frenzied heart like rain, and she 

Appealed in words of tenderness and love 

To all the manly instincts of his kind 

To cease his wicked crusade ; but he thrust 

Her pra3-ers aside as trash, and listened to 

The foolish tale of Pride. Ambition gave 

Him word of caution ; Wisdom gave advice ; 

And Justice gave him fearful warning; but 

In cruel disregard of every kind 

Entreaty for his welfare and his peace. 

He swore he'd take the sword, and now he reaps 

Its cruel harvests. He brewed the dreadful storm, 

And when its crushing tempest overtakes 

His path and brings destruction on, he weeps^,; - 

And prays for safe deliverance at hands ' 



206 MYiUOllAMA. 

Of those whose warning voice he wouhl 
Not condescend to hear Miien danger might 
Have been averted. Let him writhe a time 
In torment brouglit as lit accruing end 
Of stubborn pride and wicked, wilful self- 
Deception. Let him feel the penalties 
Of courted civil war; let him riot now 
Amid its ruin ; let liim struggle with 
The wreck he made, until its broken spars 
Do carry him to shore. Aye, let him learn 
By sucli experience as this what harm 
His evil passions did; what dreadful scourge 
He brouglit upon the land, what burning wounds 
His daggers made; what tender hearts lie broke; 
What terrible alarm he gave tlie people; wliat 
Irretrievable bereavements he has made; 
How very wrong and wicked lie has been ; and then, 
Perchance, some safer hopes of his 
Repentance may arise, some promises 
Which may be treated with becoming trust. 
He broke the nation's law ; defied its will ; 
His sacred honor pledged he broke; his oath 
Of true allegiance violated, and made war 
Upon the flag our fathers bore in triumph 
Over Bunker Hill and Brandywine. Yes, his 
Was act the first in drama now whose 
After piece he plays, and frets and worries o'er 
His part. 

"Restore to us our honored dead ; 
Heal up the wounds .you've made in hearts 
Of women fair and lovely as the morn ; 
Bring back our fallen braves ; erase the scars 
Upon one million soldiers living still ; 
Replace their broken limbs ; give houses to 
The homeless widows ; feed and clothe the child 
Left orphan on the mercies of the noble land ; 
Our empty coflers fill, and clothe the poor 
You've made ; — then pray in penitence and fear 
For mercy at the feet of those you scorned 
When 5'ou were the aggressors and we were 
The suppliants. 

'* Complaining now you come 
Of iron rule, of military courts, and jails; 
Of false arrests, corruption, and deceit. 
Look back, oh, guilty being, look adowa 



MYRIORAMA. 207 

The bloody lane of recent years, and see 

Your danglin*? victims hang: upon your hills; 

Your cursed engines of malignant hate. 

Which sent their thousands into early death, 

And Union-loving men in dread away 

From homes their childhood knew and loved. 

To use the torch and steel, were you the first; 

To till the dungeon cells with men at peace 

And not in soldier's uniform, the first 

Were you ; to send the leaden messenger 

To lieart opposed or so suspected, you. 

And those you led were first ; to take the life 

Of him his cause deserted under arms, 

The first were you. Oh ! say not now 

Your cause was just and such as these were right. 

Restrain your tears ; they come too late to bring 

Us what we lost, and remedy your w^rongs. 

" You told us then to let you go. Alone 
To live forever Avas your sole demand. 
Too proud to live as all your fathers did, 
In peace with those who had a right to rule, 
You drenched the land with blood ; and now 
When retribution comes, you cry because 
Your self inflicted pain is great and sore. 
When we appealed, you scorned, the scale is now 
Reversed. Petitioning, you may pray redress; 
We answer : * Let the faithful steersman hold 
The wheel until the threatening rocks 
An safely passed, while those remain below 
Who once betrayed the ship.' 

" Be patient now, 
And let returning sense of justice teach 
You more of pradence and a better life. 
Obey the law your disobedience has made 
A necessary rein upon your wounded pride. 
With what the nation please ty give, content 
Yourselves. Petition, don't demand, for worse 
May come. The taste of blood has made 
Good soldiers of us all. Be quiet, still : 
And let the people breathe in peace. If thus 
Yon live, and by your friendly conduct show 
That you will not again rebel and bring 
Dishonor on our flag' we'll gladly take 



■ 08 MYRIORAMA. 

Your proffered hand, and bury all the past. 
We ask no more than this, but this we'll have. 
And when you come with prayer, for^- t 
Your threats, and deal with us as those vvho hold 
Of ricfht the reins of power. 

•*Laredef 
Has saved the State ; no more, no less. 
If that were worthy work and bravely done, 
He's oruiity of no wrong. If cruelty 
And Hardship come' 'tis not his fault. 
Imi)erfect as all human actions are, 
'Twere most ungenerous in us now 
To charge the aggregate of all the people's sin 
On him who led the major part to do 
A work the law required at his hands. 
That equal liberty might soon prevail, 
And peace and quiet reign abroad. 
He kept his iron lingers tightly clasped 
About the throat of passion, and has taught 
Some useful lessons to the South indeed 
Which nothing less, as years of tr^al p. veil, 
Would teach. Arresting those creating strife, 
He punished traitors to the peoples' cause. 
And this he did of lawftd right. When waste 
From fire and SAvord prevailed, 'twas dc ..e 
That on the ruins of a rotten, falling £.-tat" 
Might rise and grow a healthy plant 
From freedom's living waters nourlslied. 
The promise made asto the conduct; of the war. 
Was spurned ai]d lauohed at l)y the South; 
And though by Larecef it was observed. 
No less than conquest did at length prevail; 
And nothing short of S'Li])jugation did 
Induce the rebel armies to surrender up 
Their arms. Capitulating terms we^^ none 
E'er made save those of ceasing to make war 
And in the future to obey the law. 
Their arms were conquered ; subjugated were 
Their fiohting legions. There the conquest ceasrd, 
The subiugation there, and that's the end. 
The instant cleared awa,y the clouds of war. 
The kindly voice of Mercy came ; and from 
That verv hour ceased aggressive rule. 
The famished soldier on his homeward march 
With gray upon his person wearing, ate the food 



]yiYIlIOEAMA. 209 

His Conqueror gave, and carried in his hand 

The safeguard for his home. The Confiscation Act 

Was dead; an Amnesty for all proclaimed. 

And not a rebel tried for treason. O ! 

Were e'er revolted subjects dealt with so 

Before? Was magnanimity e'er met 

With such ungrateful, base return? 

"In doin^ justice to each other now 
Let all unite in hearty work, that peace. 
With all her cheer and hope, may bloom 
Again in this our common land. When this 
We do, and do it earnestly, the gloom 
And mist which now environs our hearts 
Will pass away forever, and a happy state 
Eemain to bless and heal our wounded i^ast. " 

Ambition following, reasoned thus : 

"■If freedom's right, then also right the means 

By which it is obtained ; and friend is he 

To liberty who aids the struggling captive 

To regain his hope, while enemj- who withholds. 

Upon this proposition rest the claims for right 

We urge upon the judgment of mankind 

In casting off the rule of kings. 

If slavery is wrong, and Laredef lias set 

The bondman free, no wrong has then been done; 

And if his freedom was a farce without 

Continued aid from him, 'twas right 

That he afford it ; and if this required 

Expense, 'twas justly paid. 

" If war against 
The life of Union was a wicked act, 
'Twere right to crush the arm which struck the blow; 
If war is cruel, then the hand which laid 
The train must bear the burden of defeat; 
If war 's expensive, he who is at fiiult 
Should bear the blame and fill the purse again. 
If evils come of war, then let them rest 
Where rightfully they do belong. If right 
It was to free the slave, — if right it is to make 
His freedom worth the name, and any do 
Oppose, 'twere well to curb their i)assion5 in 
Until they can be safely loosed. If tliose 
Who once defied the people's rule were wrong, 
14 



210 MYRIORAMA. 

'Twere wise to keep the trust in other hanils. 

"If on tlic side of rio:ht tlien. Laretlef 

Has been in all the threat events of past 

Eventfnl years, the part of wisdom it 

Would be. the causes well Ave wei^i^h 

That point to chanj^e of rule. If men of will 

Corrupt and purpose evil in intent. 

Upon the surface of the boiling" flood appear, 

The remedy were better that we let the heat 

Subside by ceasin<^ to produce the flame 

That burns, and they'll descend ag'ain to Avhere 

Their proper level is. So if extremes have come, 

'Twere better far to gently draw the feeders back. 

And not renew the terrors of the past 

By hastily reversing our course, and go 

As suddenly to opposite extremes. 

'' But one 
Eemaining cause of discontent we have. 
And that,- -disfranchisement of those whose sin 
Has given all our woe. If truth there be 
In logic of events, this cannot long remain, 
If they will aid in due enforcement of 
The laV. ^V"llen they are free again, then all 
Our disaftection's gone;— the nation's free 
In fact as well as name. If freedom from 
The former bondman's grasp, should any one 
Attempt to tear, we'd have the war to flght again, 
For equal liberty is our law supreme. 
If of this should au}'^ danger be, 
'Twere better then that for the present, rule 
Remain as now we And it, and await 
The soothing influence of time. 
The genius of American success 
Forb'ids the tliought, that hate of liberty 
Should any freeman have. 'Tis fiilsc as wrong. 
And none know better this than those who charge 
The noble Laredef with poisoning the State, 
And wasting its emoluments. 'Tis said, 
And so 'tis proven liere, that numbers large, 
A quarter million freemen, are denied 
An equal voice in choosing those who rule, 
While many who were once degraded slaves, 
Are given rights which are denied to them. 
'Tis true, and 'tis a glorious truth, that time 



^lYRIORAMA. 211 

Has come in our affairs, when men 

Have equal liberty; for thou<^h a time 

Deprived of privileges two. and only two — 

Official post to hold, and cast a vote — 

It cannot so remain for lonjrer time 

At most than to tlie deatli of those displaced, 

While Laredef has left it to themselves 

HoAV soon again they will enjoy their much 

Esteemed defensive armor. Tliough the time 

To them be long and fraught with some distress, 

The greater good achieved does compensate 

Their tempoj-ary discontent. Tlie end 

For all will much the better ])e. for then. 

The errors of our past are cured, and all 

Are free. 

"Look then upon the future page 
Of history we'll make, and see us stand 
United as"" the forest oaks, and strong 
As AUeglieny's rocks: A band of freemen then, 
Commandiiig awe from Kings; a family 
From all dissensions free, witiiout a check 
Upon our pe-iceful progress through the j^ears. 
If in the past, with tei-rible disease 
Fast growing in our vitals, have we grown 
To such estate, oh ! wliat would be too great. 
Too vast, to hope for future of a people such 
As we combined and free from all 
Impeding cause ? Spread out your country's map, 
And count its boundless acres;' estimate 
Its treasures iiidden ; then compute its worth 
As homes of freeinen toiling for their wealth 
By hundred millions counted, with 
A common interest and common end. 
Then say wlien can we cease our onward course. 
And when forget what made us free ? 
We'll then be mistress of the world of men ; 
Our beacon lights will hang upon the outposts high 
Where struggling mortals may look up 
And see their glimmer tlirough the vap'ry mist 
That lowers o'er their lieads, and we will lead 
The nations back to peace and hope. 
Then, free ourselves, we'll send tlie light of life 
Through all the night around, and wait to see 
It grow and brighten. Welcome happy future ! 
Thy pleasant dreams of hope, all welcome,— 



212 MYRIORAMA. 

Thy flowery pathi?, and purer lanes of life ! 

We're marching on to meet thee in 

The land of peace where purest freedom reigns 

Supreme, and tlie Eternal God uprears 

His holy state where all of mortal kind 

May congregate, and 'neath His starry shield 

Forever sing His glories and His praise." 

The argument concluding, then arose 

The modest JNamecaep filled with wrath. Before 

He spake however, something seemed to say, 

Or intimate, that one superior mind 

Was near, or coming, and a view of that 

Majestic myriorama plainly told 

That half at least were stirred by some 

Unknown, though vigorous and potent cause. 

All ! there we see a grayish mist slow coming In 

Beneath the temple's dome and growing 

Into shape, assuming human form. 

But standing in the air. It is the spirit of 

Old Tarcomed ; and from his month 

A narrow, flowing stream of whitish raj's 

Proceeding down, do enter in the brain 

Of him who stands to speak, and gives 

Him what to say and do. 

Proceeding, then 
He said : " The record of the wai^is closed. 
'Twere useless now to harrow up the past, 
And call up from their graves the sleeping dead. 
We care not for the hideous years sped by. 
With all their wretciiedness and trouble left; 
We care not to discuss their causes or results; 
They're gone and buried in the general wreck. 
We're dealing with the present now, and that 
Alone. We're cramped and tied, and fettered down 
By usurpations of the prisoner here arraigned 
At Bar of Justice for his grievous crimes." 
He has betrayed the country's peace; he has 
Corrupted every engine of his powei* by 
Illegal use of treasure fraudulentlj' wrung 
From honest citizens. He lives upon decay 
Of liberty, and fattens on its stench; 
He grows upon dissensions in the State. 
Antl rides upon the storm his passions raise. 
He riots in the people's poverty and woe; 



MYEIORAMA. 213 

He laughs at their misfortunes, and he grinds 
Them down to absolute despair. His rule 
More wicked is than that of Roman beast. 
More cruel than of Spain's most bloody King. 
He wastes the people's treasure and their blood; 
He squanders their estate, and puts upon 
Their yielding necks despotic voke so strong 
And chafing that they cannot longer rest 
Beneath his galling rule; and now we try 
His countless crimes before the jury of 
His peers. If justice has not lost its force, 
No longer than the time the sure decree 
Kequires for its utterance, will be his reign." 

As this prophetic word rang out upon the air, 
A shout responsive rose from nearly half 
Th' assembled populace, which shook and jarred 
The very earth. Proceeding then, he said ; 

"These bold attacks upon our cherished form 

Of government is not of recent years alone; 

His policy and creed have ever been at war 

With just administration of the law. 

His treason's old, and in the distant time 

Long past, he struck his venomed fangs 

Into our noble system of restricted rule. 

No hope for his repentance now. Grown old 

In crime and bred to it, too far he's gone 

Upon the road to ruin leading, for 

A speedj^ cure of his accursed malady. 

No hope for liberty until we check his reins, i 

Destroy his power, and remove his minions from 

Their purchased seats. He's growing wild with hop<^ « 

Of long continued rule. He'd have eternal reign. 

He'd cut our veins, and laugh to see the flow 

Of blood. He sits upon the nation's breast 

Like fabled bird, and while by gentle 

Winnowing of wings, he'd fan us into sleep, 

His beak is sinking deeper in our vitals, where 

He sucks the life-blood from our hearts. , 

No, no : there's nothing to be gained by hope 

Of his conversion. Too old for this, and hardened 

In his crimes. He reaches now for further hold 

Upon the people's throats. He'd carry us 

To ruin in a day. Let 's drive the despot 



214 MYRIORAMA. 

From liis g-oltlen seat ! Away ! Away ! 
Malicious monster that thou art! away ! 
Infernal tyrant, from tlie seat thou hast 
Usurped ! " And bounding forward as 
The people rose, he rushed toward Laredef ; 
But then, as he has ever been, at duty's post, 
Did Grant come in between, and held 
Th' impassioned orator at bay. 

'' Beware." 
Said he. " I wear the sword. Let us have peac3.'' 

Quite pale with rage, did Namecaep then 
Kesume his seat, and those who saw 
As well. 

The Judg:e then charged the jury on 
The law and fact presented in the cause. 

*' When first the seed was sown w^hich grew 

At length to what we see around us here, 

A root of evil genius grew as well, and many 

Years the full development of right defeated 

By its latent and destroying strength. 

Beside, another vicious weed grew up 

As well, and spread its overhanging vines 

Across the land until, beneath their leafy shade 

The people basked and lulled themselves to sleep. 

Outside of these, the law had perfect play. 

The good and evil plants grew side by side 

For many ages on, until their strong 

Aroma met wliere lowering clouds prevailed, 

Through whose revolving "currents passed 

Electric sparks, when these ignited all 

Tlie mingling mists discordant, and the storm 

Ensuing shook tlie nation in its seat. 

Its terrors past, the gloomy vapors gone, 

"VVe look and see— not ruin, as 'tis urged. 

But well nigh full fruition of the early seed. 

The wreck of war 'tis true, was great 

And sorely felt, but 'twas the purifying blast 

Of God's progressive storm. It came because 

Impurities in our life had slowly crept. 

And overpowered our resisting stren^t-i. 

No less than this had saved our precious plant. 

The law is now supreme. The poison weeds 

Are being rooted out of soil they've harmed ; 



MYRIORAMA. 215 

And tliougli a lingering: fibro here and there 
Kemain, you've seen their vitiating growth, 
And know full well tlie remedy. No harm 
From them if you but execute the law. 
Secession had its day, and slavery 
As well. If remnant lives, destroy it, for 
Their virus poisoned you. Remember that. 

If in their destruction Laredef 

Did aid, he did a proper work, and law 

Is none offended. If, when war had ceased, 

He then assumed to batter down 

The ramparts of the people's liberties, 

Then that were wrong, and should destroy 

His rule, but if the fact be otherwise, the law 

Directs no penalty. If citizens be now 

Deprived of suffrage, look you to the cause; 

And if it be a necessary regulation for 

The better order of the State, or for 

The preservation and the nurture of 

The claim to liberty of those who recently 

Were slaves, 'tis right; if not, 'tis wrong. 

If he, for all the gold he used, do render true 

Account, then look you to the thing on which 

It was expended ; if proper that, he's done 

No wrong. The law is right. What's done 

In its behalf deserves the praise of men. 

The charges and defence you've heard ; the proof, 
And argument as well; If these his guilt 
Have clearly shown, your duty's plain : convict. 
But if a lingering doubt within your mind 
Kemain to trouble and perplex, then stay 
Your hand and let the prisoner go his way. 
Consider well the charges and the proof; 
See what behind them lies in shadow of 
The thing ambitious men may hold in front, 
For view of fickle-minded citizens. 
The obiect and design for which is brought 
The suit, do probe and see if they be good, 
The manner of the witness, too, — see that; 
His statement analyze, and it compare 
With what defence has shown, that truth 
And only truth, appear to turn the scale. 
Each fact and circumstance as they present 



216 31YKI0RAMA. 

Themselves, their bearino: on the charges and 
Defence, deliberatel)' weigh ; and ponder well 
The nature of tlie whole proceeding with 
Unprejudiced determination right to do 
Regardless of the consequences, that 
Your verdict b}^ the law be well sustained. 
Be calm. Let not the rabble sway, 
Nor tumult overawe your judgment of 
The right. A healthy opposition gives 
Belief to States; but when it is diseased 
And runs to blood, the passions of the whole 
Become aroused, and changes radical 
Kesult. Beware of rashness then ; you're in 
The climax of your freedom now. and woe 
Unto the haiid'that forges other chains. 

In what you .do remember this ; That freedom, 
And what is fessential to maintain it, is 
Our law. In changes that you make 
If any, don't restrict, but still enlarge 
The area of liberty ; instead of lessening, 
Increase the number of her votaries. 
Let not a prejudice of caste, or race. 
Or color lead you from your duty to the law. 

The substance of the law is this : That God 

Bules over all; directs the whole for purpose of 

His own; that when to His eternal rule 

Do men their works conform, progression grows 

Unceasing on in channels pleasant and 

Without a jar to shake the plan ; but 

Whether and without compulsion come or not 

From men, to Him no cause is this 

For pausing or delay. The end is certain of 

Approach. Ifmanbefree to jield 

A cheerful hand, without a shock 

The change does come. — for progress works 

A change,— and progress is the primal law. 

Kefusal of his aid a time defers 

The final end ; but come it will, as God 

Hath said ; and stubborn passions of 

Deluded men as instruments are used 

In buildinfr up the work to which they had 

Denied their voluntary aid. 

"You have 



MYRIORAMA. 217 

Within your power now the prisoner and his fate. 

In cause so i^reat do with him as is meet. 

That God may look approvingly 

Upon your work, be merciful; that Ke 

May not undo it all, be just; remembering 

That liberty to proper bounds by law 

Kestrained,' is heaven's own decree. 

Unto that conform your reason; leave 

The rest to God. As justice points. 

And wisdom does dictate, your passions yield; 

And may no cloud in after time arise 

To cast its, darkening shadows o'er 

Your verdict now. " 

The'tTiidge hns concluded his charofe to the Jury^ 
"Who rise in their seats now and join all their voices 
In one simultaneous, thundering chorus 
Whose deep sounding echoes go ofi' to the mountains 
And over the distant clear watery valleys 
Then dipping its tremulous tones in the river. 
Till every American answers the echo : 
" We'll render oub Verdict on the ides of 
November* " 

The prisoner 's retired in keeping of sureties 

Who pledge his return when the People demand him* 

The myriads of people now slowly descending 
From places they occupied during the trial 
Through passages same as which they had entered 
Commingling again in the pleasantest humor, 
Without the confusion and striving commotion 
Of those unaccustomed to usage of freemen, 
Began their departure in every direction 
With great animation discussing the merits 
And probable sequel, in all their bearings. 
Of Laredef 's trial, and which were the better ^ 
For peace and for safety and health of the nation, 
To thrust him from power and place there another 
Of policy different and fresh from the people, 
Or let him continue and prove if he can that 
He's honest and faithful and ought to be trusted. 
They're moving in streams of unlimited number. 
Diverging as fartlier they go toward the homes Avhere 
Their children are anxiously waiting to greet them, 



218 MYRIORAMA. 

Until the great mass is completely divitletl, 
And scattered about in diminutive parcels 
All over the country wherever their homes are. 

Ifow np on the Temple of Liberty look we, 
And see with amazement the ftiiry mechanics, 
Whose numberless lingers are busil}^ lifting. 
The various parts of this grandest of structures 
From that upon which they had formerly rested, 
And placing them gently in beautiful caskets, 
Securely protecting the jewels from danger 
Until they are put in their natural casements — 
The hearts of the people — for future rebuilding 
When four years have passed their attentive inspection. 

And thus in the time that a moment's passing, 
The temple had rapidly vanished, but every 
Minute and material portion was safely 
In keeping where none but the people united 
Can ever have access; — the forum remaining 
As first we observed it, where Union is standing, 
Unequalled in grandeur, in charge of his keepers, 
Fair Virtue, with Liberty, and Independence. 



MYRIORAMA. 219 



CONCLUSIOX. 

REMARKS. 
Gen. Grant's election ; short review ; a look ahead. 



As to ambitions yonth arrives the time 
Which tests the merits of lon^ j^ears of toil 
And anxious labor of the brainli so dawned 
That pregnant day wherein the potent voice 
Of millions to the'listening world should speak 
The verdict of Columbia's sons; and as 
The gathering freemen, like their habit is. 
About their voting places cluster round to cast 
Their votes — the shield of liberty and right — 
As best to them it seemed, throughout the day, 
Like winter's snow-flakes falling silently 
To earth, so dropped the people's ballots in 
Ten thousand caskets framed for them. 

The night had scarce her shadows spread 
Across the fevered land, while anxious hearts 
Responded to their inward prophecies, 
As each unto itself foretold the choice 
America had made, when every where athwart 
The active nation, from the East, and West, 
And North and South, as though the heavens' quick 
Machinery had lent its subtle agencies 
Toman for sudden transit of his thoughts. 
Along unnumbered wire threads there flashed 
The news, as from the counted votes was seen, 
** Not Guilty ! . Laredef has been sustained. " 

Across the ocean ran the rapid current on, 
And distant nations read the glaring news 
Which set the world at rest; for now 
The problem 's solved, "Are Ireemen fit to hold 



220 MYEIORAMA. 

The reins of government within their own 
Weak arms ; and is the sword of power safe 
When each of thousands multiplied of men 
His grasp upon its hilt does hold ? " 

Before 
Another morning on the land had shed 
Its peaceful glow, th' enlightened world had learned 
The verdict rendered in our court : that he. 
Of all most highly charged with wrong and crime, 
Was duly tried, and by the judgment of his peers 
Acquitted. Grant, the humble citizen, 
The lowly, modest, incorruptible 
Civilian ; he whose priceless worth the people knew, 
Was chosen President, and to that choice 
This moving mass of freemen bowed assent. 
By lessons our experience taught, we'd learned 
That when through lawful forms their will 
The people speak, that will must be obeyed ; 
And though in passion had we long discussed 
The merits of the cause decided now 
In those immortal words our chieftain spoke 
We prayed as with a common voice : '* Let us 
Have peace." 

Thus ended that great struggle which, 
For eight long years had strung the nation's nerves 
Unto their utmost tension, and for half 
That time had threatened all the world of man 
With evils at whose very mention turned 
Pisgustfully away his better instincts of 
The right. The latter half— the half of peace- 
Defensive and deceptive as it was, 
Was big with danger and combustion, for, 
Deep underneath the surface of our life 
A deadly current of dissension ran 
That, but for timely action of the people's will, 
Had ruined all our'hopes, and misapplied 
The fruits upon a thousand hard-fought fields 
Upon victory won. The contest of the field 
By ponderous armies waged, had ceased 
Its dreadful havoc and its burning waste. 
While liberty fresh garlands wore; but then, 
When to the watching world we seemed at i)eace 
And basking in the sunshine of a sweet 
Repose, another, fiercer, nobler struggle raged 
Of thought : how best to heal the wounds of strife; 



MYRIORAMA. 221 

Secure the State and save the fruits of war ; 

To guarantj'- to every man his lawful right 

Without debating whetlier he were bond 

Or free in other times ; to bur}^ deep our past 

Distressing feuds, and to destroy the seed 

So long within our vitals breeding discontent; 

To best restore the beaten foes of just 

And lawful rule to equals in the land ; 

To reconstruct their fallen states, and rear 

Upon their rotten ruins freedom's walls ; 

To wash away their ramparts of deluded pride; 

To open up their veins and let new blood 

Flow in ; to teach them how to elevate the slave 

And educate the poor; to show them fresh 

Example of the law of equal liberty ; 

To turn the stream of clannish prejudice 

In channnels of a higher life ; to chase away 

The darkness of their past and send 

The happy light of freedom through their homes; 

To strengthen loyal hands and cultivate 

Their growth;— the subjects these this war of brains 

Was fought about, and it has ended too. 

We've lopped short off the cumbrous cankers of 

Our younger life, and in a vesture new 

Of buoyant manhood stand we forth to-day. 

We've struck the shackles from four millions slaves 

And clothed them with the rights of men; 

We've conquered valliant armies on the field 

And proved their error in debate; suppressed 

Rebellion in its strongest holds ; our life 

We saved, and then our enemies forgave. 

Nor tried a man for treason. 

We've set a nation free ; have smotliered deep 

In death Secession's hurtful heresies ; 

And thus, in these two master strokes of right, 

Have rid ourselves of every cause which brought 

Resistance and its blood within our doors. 

We've linked Francisco's Golden Gate to Maine ; 

We bring the juice of Calafornia's vines 

To cheer the rigors of New England's cold 

Through that great artery of Trade whose arms 

Of iron reach across the continent; 

And to the eastern world, by cords submerged 



322 MYRIORAMA. 

Beneatli Atlantic's tide, we've bound ourselves. 

Besides, though war, as never war before. 

Had drained our substance long, through all 

That tier of noble States wliose'sons came tbrtii, 

Two millions and a half in armor clad. 

To battle for the rigiit, our thriving people grew 

More prosperous and great; and there — (it is 

A pregnant truth — ) no traces of the war 

Are seen, l^o lields are there thrown out to grow 

With weeds and briers up; deserted farms 

N"one there, nor factories, nor shops, nor towns. 

'Tis only at the South tliese sad reminders of 

The awful conllict stare upon our path 

As through the land we go. 'Tis here we look 

With sadjiess on the wreck of war, and see 

The smouldering embers of that dreadful tire lie; 

3Iementoes of our pride, our wickedness, 

Our sin. 

But though tlie conquest of our arms 
Released the bondman and relieved the State; 
_Althoug]i our victory in argument was great 
And of a lasting good ; although tlie bold. 
Defiant stand our gallant Congress took 
Against the rising tide of madness fresh 
Returning with augmented strength and hate, 
Is demonstrated just, and wise, and right; 
Altliough for self-defense we've placed a sword 
In hands before that never swung a blade; 
Although one shining mile-mark in our road 
We've passed, and all obstructions to our line 
Of mai'ch displaced; yet, though so much achieved, 
Of all disease and guilt, we may not quite 
Be free. Has xVvarice left no seeds of death 
Deep lurking in our blood ? No bane has Pride 
Left lying on our banquet boards, whose taste 
Slow poison in our vitals may infuse? 
Ah, yes! ^Vhile young, and weak, and poor, we felt 
And'knew but iftfle of the sin of Pride; 
For poverty against her arts is shield. 
But now, that prospering unparallelled 
Has filled our colters up^ and in our downy laps 
Laid Inxuiy and ease, the question's fitly asked : 
Is she not holding still too high a place " 
Within our peole's hearts ? And then. 
That other subtler spirit who destroyed 



]SIYRIORAMA. 223 

Great Rome's estate when all the gaping world 
Paid homage to her name; that lisping imp 
Who taught the Tilgrims how to steal, ... ^. 

And whose devouring maw infects the purest blood. 
Then spews the stinking mass around the world. 
'Ti^ he we now must grapple with, and i rule. 
The love of gold ; the love of ease. Beware ; 
Americans, beware ! Their snares are set. 

And yet another thought. Our foemen,— are 

They conquered finally and well .«' Have war 

And victorv had their full fruition yet? 

Ha^ all for which rebellion straggled been 

Surrendered, and to time in death interred .'' 

Bv souls unseen do bodies move; a,nd }^^^o\y ^ 

That while to all the world was told the trutli 

The State was poisoned by the slave-pen's stench, 

Yet still Avas slavery but the body ; and 

Within, beneath, above, around —all through 

It ran a spirit living, active, vital, brave. 

The body slaughtered, is the spirit dead ^ 

Altliough the serpent's hissing head ^«/*i'i\*l^<;^i' , 

His mangled, rotten form be stinking in the earth, 

Unnoticed and forgotten in their depth 

His fangs may still be lying 'mid the wreck; 

And in some balmy time to come, when wealth 

Her u-olden pinions plumes and fans us into sleep 

Ao-aili. the nation may be seen to weep 

Because the poison of this buried tooth 

Has reached her heart a second time. / 

As the unthinking horse the cactus shuns, 

Let us by careful watch avoid the thorns 

Left lying all about the land, whose sting 

Breeds death and national decay. ^ 

If freedom 'snot a farce and liberty 

A dream.-then where our banner floats let all 

15e fi-ee;-the hand, the thought, the tongue, the pen, 

None fearing danger from his fellow man— 

The midnight raider's devilish mask, 

His liendish threat or his avenging steel; 

Xor vet the shafts of malice born of hate 

Long nurtured, nor the odium of public scorn 

Pile^ mountain high to stand where bayonets tailed, 

As barriers aoainA the march of mind : When such 

A stSe existsfthen, in the footprints of the dead 



-224 MYRIORAMA. 

Who died the heroes of a wicked cause. 
We'll write an epitaph upon the past. 
Forgiving all its wron^\ its crime, its blood. 
And sing with truth We're free ;— ALL free. 

That much we've done. What now remains to do ? 

The moral world is full of work. Across 

The growing nation cast your eye and see 

The wretchedness and want, privation and 

Distress in countless phases shown. The poor 

On every hand need help; reach out your hand 

To struggling poverty. The fallen, and the low, 

Go down to them ; go, help them all to rise ; 

Go, ease the aching world of pain, and on 

The ruins of a wicked past raise up. 

By good you do to humble, needy man, 

A monument for Virtue's eye to scan. 

And Woman, — noblest, best of all. — she pleads 

For help; she begs a saving friendship now 

That's strong and deep within tlie heart 

Of man to help the best, to save the worst 

Her sex presents. Go, learn lier every want. 

And with unsparing hand supply thom all. 



With this just labor of the heart, the head 

And hand must needs keep pace. The boundless fields 

Upon our west where foot of man has barely trod, 

Miist come beneath the culture of the times 

And bloom with wheat and corn. As now 

Across the snowy regions of the IS'orth, so too, 

From Mempliis to the western Sea, we soon 

Must see the line of travel take its course 

Upon the iron way. Ail tlirough the hills 

And valleys of that vacant wild, amid 

The sound of cascades and the moan of trees 

Must soon be heard the rattle and the roar 

Of wheels and engines on the rail as rolls 

The car of progress on and ti::esofmen 

Move west. Wherever little streamlet leaps 

From rock to rock in nature's pastime free. 

Let La1)or build liimself a shop and turn 

The precious drops to use. Where forests sing 

Their ancient hymns let songs of honest toil 

Be heard ; and where tlie buffalo and elk 



J^^ow graze «pon the native verdure of the plains 
Let reapers ring as quick their thornv sickles strike 
1 he golden wheat ; and where the savage council meet« 
Ihe click of the printing press be heard. 

And stop not here. The seat of Government 

Potomac's placid banks must bid adieu. 

That marble pile within whose walls were heard 

The wisdom of a Madison, a Webster's sense ; 

An Adams' strength, a Claj^'s bold eloquence : 

The threats of a Calhoun, a Jackson's rin"- • 

A Randolph's pungent wit, a Butler's sting; 

A Hayne's menace, a Brooks's burning hate; 

A Cass's honor, and a Douglas' strong debate ; 

A Benton's energy, a Sumner's lore ; 

A Seward's prophecy, a Stephens' war, 

To-day is left behind this moving age 

Which westward hies and still goes'\vest. 

Yes, from the Statue emblem on its dome 

To deep foundation stone, each part 

Must be removed, and westward of 

The parent stream be built anew. 

If this may not be done, in peace then let 

It rest,— a monument of freemen's work; 

And where the nation's heart so long has beat; 

n here name of Washington the world has learned 

in reverence and admiration to repeat. 

There let great Xational Schools arise wherein 

Columbia's youth may learn the art 

Of all important most,— the art of government. 

•' Go west ? Go west ? " you ask ; " tiien where ? " 

Lpon tne soil of fair young Kansas was 

The lirst great battle for the right fouglit out: 

And tit commemoration of that noble work 

"Would be give her the N'ation's Capital. 

She 's central and she's safe ; she 's true. 

Jn this new era of our country's dawn, 
As now we launch anew our noble ship 
Into the opening sea of future life, we look 
Ahead upon the waste before to catch a glimpsa 
Of what in time may come, while Fancy\veaves 
Her webs of prophecy and hope. We stand 
Upon the outposts of a fast receding age 



220 MYIUORAMA. 

And strain our vision o'er the great expanso 
Beyond, and there within the bosom of 
That eomin<^ time we see the busy worhl 
At work in all the pleasant arts of peace, 
And hear the happy songs of millions in 
Their toil where labor re^ps its just reward 
And all mankind are free. 

As first 
With Washington iji life we started out, 
So now witli Grant to steer the State, we leave 
The wreck and carnage of the past, and go 
Upon our voyage fresh to reach another point 
Tiie Father has in stor<?. When that we gain 
Anotiior lesson we'll have learned how best 
Tv) shield ourselves Irom sin and guard 
Against th'eicvils of our past. The priceless art 
Of government we'll better iinderstand ; 
\\'e'll better know necessities of man. 
T!>en mny we not devoutly pray that there. 
^Vhcn by the tidal wave of time we're drifted to 
The nation's holiday, in looking out upon 
Our progress made, we'll see the world at peace* 
Tiie lowly^raised, the ignorant taught, 
And plenty in the collers'of the poor'? 



MAY A 1903 



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LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 




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